Navigation of Spacecraft on Deep Space Missions

Abstract

Spacecraft which are sent on deep space missions to the planets must be accurately navigated in order to achieve the correct flight path. Navigation analysts use precise measurements and large computational software systems to determine a spacecraft's position throughout the mission and compute the velocity corrections for its guidance through space. When the spacecraft is launched into deep space on its voyage, it is impossible to know with great precision where it is headed. Imperfections in both the launch vehicle's terminal velocity and the uncertainty in the knowledge of the parameters which will affect the spacecraft trajectory contribute to errors in the predictions of the total flight path. Continuous navigation of the spacecraft achieves an ever-evolving prediction of its orbit from the reduction of radiometric and astrometric observations of the craft. Control of the spacecraft is achieved by computing and signalling to the craft a series of propulsive, velocity correction commands, which manoeuvre the craft to its desired course.