SMRTR TechAug 17, 2026Interesting Engineering

NASA tests first-of-its-kind spacecraft navigation system that works without GPS

SMRTR summary

NASA's Starling mission successfully tested FALCON, a navigation system that lets spacecraft figure out their position in orbit by tracking other satellites and debris using onboard cameras, with no GPS needed. Over three days, it improved the tracked orbits of more than 200 objects autonomously. This technology could support future deep-space missions, collision avoidance, and lunar exploration where GPS signals don't reach.

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