How does a rocket guide itself in space?

Answer 1

According to NASA, there are many forms of rocket guidance...

preset - a predetermined path is programmed in the rocket and it is sent on it's way.

inertial - accelerations are measured using gyroscopes and accelerometers during it's flight. The rocket knows where it was launched from, and can calculate it's position based on the acceleration it experiences.

command guidance - an external source, like a NASA station on Earth, sends the spacecraft commands on where to go

beam-rider guidance - the spacecraft is programmed to follow a beam of energy such as a radar beam

terrestrial-reference guidance - the rocket is influenced by something on the Earth or the body it is flying over to figure out where to go. Whether it's features on the surface or perhaps even the different effect of gravity at certain distances.

celestial guidance - the spacecraft uses the objects out in space as it's guide. Typically the spacecraft is programmed to find one of 57 bright stars used for navigation, although sometimes extensive star charts are used

homing guidance - the spacecraft is guided towards it's destination by information that has come from the destination itself. This could be done perhaps by the spacecraft sending out a radar transmission, and it's own beam that is reflected back off the object is used to guide the spacecraft's movement. Or even natural radiations from the object could be used as a guide

Answer 2

Rockets fly thhrough space by using an on-board propulsion system to guide itself .Unlike a jet engine, a rocket carries its own oxidant. This is why it can operate in space .

Answer 3

As there is no air in space for fins or wings to work, the rocket nozzle must be pointed in the direction the spaceship will go. This is simply Newtons third law in practice. There is a lot more to it that just that, of course. You also have to take into account the effects of relational and tangent velocities, and the effects of gravity. Spacecraft sent to the outer planets will usually use a slingshot around one planet to change its velocity and course to get to another planet.

Answer 4

3 diffrent ways that I know of.

The apollo guys carried a sextant because the stars never move.

They also use something called inertial navigation. The computer knows where it is and then acceleromiters tell the computer what changes are being made by things like rocket motors.

They also use something like GPS just by checking their location in relation to ground radio stations.

Also they are located by calling huston or the tracking station on the ground and the ground radars doing the work and telling them where they are and where their going.

Answer 5

It uses bow thrusters. Small rockets that point to the sides and forward.

Answer 6

Thrusters.

Answer 7

there computers are set on degrees of angle from the sun , they are also equipped with very sensitive altimeters , and the rockets are set on timers .

Answer 8

Hi. It depends on Newton. It has limited ability to change orbit and direction by using thrusters.

Answer 9

By a control and guidance system.

Answer 10

gyroscopes