5 Ways We Use Pi for Space Exploration Missions

5 Ways We Use Pi for Space Exploration Missions

March 14, 2024
Facebook
 
In the vast cosmos where precision is paramount, the mathematical constant pi plays a pivotal role in advancing space exploration and scientific discoveries. Did you know Lockheed Martin Space uses pi in the following ways? 
 

1. Mapping Bennu: OSIRIS-REx and Natural Feature Tracking

In a celestial dance around asteroid Bennu, NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission utilized pi to meticulously map its rugged surface. By incorporating pi into the spacecraft’s navigation algorithms, OSIRIS-REx was placed into an optimal orbit to gain unprecedented insights into the asteroid’s topography, which allowed for a precision tag and sample collection.
OSIRIS-REx natural feature tracking above the surface of asteroid Bennu

 

 

2. InSight into Marsquakes: Pi’s Martian Precision

On Mars, NASA’s InSight Lander harnessed the power of pi to help detect and analyze Marsquakes. By employing pi in the calculations of seismic data, scientists could precisely measure surface waves traveling outward from the epicenter of the seismic event, helping to determine when a quake occurred.
InSight lander on the surface of Mars detecting Marsquakes

 

 

3. Communications: Pi in Deep Space Dialogue

NASA’s deep space network (DSN) relies on pi for communication with distant spacecraft like Lucy, OSIRIS-REx/APEX and Juno. Pi plays a role in encoding and decoding signals, ensuring that vital information—like spacecraft commands —traverses the void of space with accuracy.
Lucy spacecraft flying by a Trojan asteroid

 

 

4. Orbital Maneuvers: Pi’s Path to Cosmic Circles

Getting into orbit requires leveraging pi into trajectory calculations, from launch all the way to orbital insertion. Pi helps guide human-rated spacecraft, like Orion, through the intricacies of gravitational forces. This ensures that these satellites, orbiters and manned spacecraft reach their intended orbits with extreme accuracy.

 

 

5. Asteroid Tracking: Pi’s Watchful Eye

With current and upcoming asteroid missions like Lucy and OSIRIS-APEX, tracking these rocky bodies is essential. By utilizing pi in orbital calculations and trajectory predictions, scientists can precisely monitor the paths of these cosmic wanderers to aid mission planners with developing intricate yet efficient mission profiles.
Lucy spacecraft's flight path through deep space to Jupiter's Trojan asteroids