NASA | StarTrackers Light the Way

The video tutorial discusses the historical use of starfield patterns by sailors for navigation and explains the advanced technology of star trackers used in NASA missions. These devices, built by Galileo Avionica, are crucial for spacecraft orientation and are used in missions like the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and Solar Dynamics Observatory. The video also highlights the collaboration between NASA and Galileo Avionica, emphasizing the importance of redundancy in space missions. Finally, it underscores NASA's educational role in providing insights into Earth's environment and space through its missions.

What was the primary method used by early sailors to navigate the seas?

• Using starfield patterns

• Using compasses

• Using maps

• Using the sun's position

What is the main function of a star tracker in a spacecraft?

• To provide propulsion

• To determine the spacecraft's orientation

• To measure temperature

• To communicate with Earth

Which company collaborated with NASA to build star trackers for the LRO and SDO missions?

• Lockheed Martin

• SpaceX

• Galileo Avionica

• Boeing

Why do the LRO and SDO missions use two star trackers?

• To save costs

• For redundancy and increased accuracy

• To reduce weight

• For faster data transmission

What is one of the educational benefits of NASA's missions as mentioned in the transcript?

• They help us understand Earth's space environment

• They improve internet connectivity

• They offer job opportunities

• They provide entertainment