On future space missions, NASA will utilize a combination of laser sensors, a camera, a high-speed computer, and sophisticated algorithms to give spacecraft artificial eyes and analytical capability to find a designated landing area, identify potential hazards, as well as adjust course to the safest touchdown site. These technologies are all a part of the Safe and Precise Landing – Integrated Capabilities Evolution (SPLICE) project that will allow spacecraft to avoid boulders, craters, and more within designated landing areas. Read more for a video and additional information.
Atmospheric conditions might vary depending on the planet, but the process of descent and landing is the same. NASA programmed the SPLICE computer to activate terrain relative navigation several miles above the ground. This enables the onboard camera to photograph the surface, taking up to 10 pictures every second, which are then continuously fed into the computer preloaded with satellite images of the landing field and a database of known landmarks.
- Powerful reflector telescope: The Celestron AstroMaster 130EQ telescope is a powerful reflector telescope for astronomy beginners. It features fully-coated glass optics, a sturdy and lightweight frame, two eyepieces, a StarPointer red dot finderscope and an adjustable tripod.
- High-quality 130mm optics: The heart of the system is a 130mm glass optic objective lens. The AstroMaster mount features two slow-motion control knobs that allow you to make precision adjustments. Resolution (Rayleigh)- 1.07 arc seconds
- Quick setup & lightweight frame: This telescope for kids and adults to be used together features a lightweight frame manual German Equatorial mount for smooth and accurate pointing. Setup is quick and easy, with no tools required for assembly.
- Included accessories: We’ve included two eyepieces (20mm and 10mm), a travel tripod, and a StarPointer red dot finderscope. Accessories also include a FREE download of one of the top consumer rated astronomy software programs.
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What we’re building is a complete descent and landing system that will work for future Artemis missions to the Moon and can be adapted for Mars. Our job is to put the individual components together and make sure that it works as a functioning system,” said project manager Ron Sostaric.