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Involves taking images of moons, planets, or other celestial objects relative to a background star field to determine the spacecraft's position and adjust its course. Implemented mostly in the approach phase of deep space missions.

A form of celestial navigation that uses sensors to determine the spacecraft's orientation relative to the Sun. It's particularly useful for missions closer to the Sun or when other stars are not visible.

A highly accurate technique using the difference in signal reception times at two widely spaced Earth antennas. It is used to measure the angle of a spacecraft's transmitted radio signal, aiding in precise deep space tracking.

Uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to track the motion of the spacecraft from a known starting point. It's often used for initial stages of deep space missions.

Utilizes gyroscopes to maintain orientation and measure rotation. Often combined with other methods, gyroscopic navigation serves as a stable frame of reference for maneuvers in deep space.

A method where spacecraft uses a camera to capture images of star fields and software to identify stellar constellations for orientation and navigation. This is essential for maintaining a spacecraft's attitude in deep space.

Involves using observations of celestial bodies such as stars, planets, and moons to determine the spacecraft's position in space. It's a traditional method adapted for use in deep space travel.

Employs the regular pulsations of distant neutron stars, or pulsars, as a natural space-based clock and navigation beacon. This emerging technique promises autonomous navigation capabilities for deep space probes.

Relies on radio signals transmitted between the spacecraft and Earth-based stations to determine its position and velocity. Deep space missions use it for accurate ranging and Doppler velocity measurements.