New Mars Forums
You are not logged in.
- Topics: Active | Unanswered
Announcement
#1 2023-12-22 10:09:46
- tahanson43206
- Moderator
- Registered: 2018-04-27
- Posts: 23,960
Celestial Navigation - Apollo history - Solar System flights
For SpaceNut ... we had no topics with the words "celestial" and "navigation"
On Earth, Celestial Navigation has been used by sailor for many thousands of years, and by other creatures for millions of years.
Celestial Navigation was used to complete the Apollo Missions, and I expect it is still the major navigation method used for planning space flights today.
This topic is offered for those members who might wish to contribute to a collection of links and text to illuminate the subject for present and future readers.
During the Apollo missions, the navigator behind the Moon, out of communication with Earth, had to point the spacecraft precisely at a celestial object. That was a lot of responsibility, and every one of the navigators on the missions carried out that responsibility accurately.
This topic will open with a vision of a collection of data/information that may not exist at present.
In later posts, we have the opportunity to find and point to repositories of information about flight planning for current missions, whether it be to the Moon, Mars or any other Solar System objectives.
I expect we will find that in each and EVERY case, a star sighting is required before ANY burn is initiated. The sole exception may be orbital maneuvers, which may be restricted to the three bodies in play ... the mass around which the space craft is orbiting, the vehicle itself, and the target, which may be another vehicle, an object of interest, or just a position that is advantageous for some reason.
The skyscape as seen from Earth is available for anyone with Internet access, at theskylive.com. That web site is the source of position data for Mars as posted in the daily Calendar update.
(th)
Offline
Like button can go here
#2 2023-12-22 10:18:15
- tahanson43206
- Moderator
- Registered: 2018-04-27
- Posts: 23,960
Re: Celestial Navigation - Apollo history - Solar System flights
This is a vision statement. To the best of my knowledge (admittedly limited) no such repository exists.
Every single engine burn of the Apollo missions was performed when the space vehicle was pointing at a star, with the sole exception of burns performed to achieve in-orbit docking, and even there, the celestial background would have been visible as a reference.
It is possible that documentation of the computations performed to select a star for each burn are still available, but whether those documents can be found is a question. The Apollo missions took place in a time before computers were advanced enough for reliable service. John Glenn famously accepted a computer computation of a flight plan only if it matched the work done by the female computers he had relied upon previously.
The Apollo flight plans and related celestial navigation computations, would be (could be) a useful reference for future space craft navigators.
It is possible that there are books written to document those missions, and many others that have take place, before and since.
In today's Universe, automated navigation systems perform the pointing duties, but they still depend upon identification of a particular star (or perhaps set of stars) ahead of each burn.
(th)
Offline
Like button can go here
#3 2023-12-22 12:14:42
- RobertDyck
- Moderator
- From: Winnipeg, Canada
- Registered: 2002-08-20
- Posts: 8,360
- Website
Re: Celestial Navigation - Apollo history - Solar System flights
Institute of Navigation: Sextant, Apollo Guidance and Navigation System
NASA (pdf): Apollo Onboard Navigation Techniques
Smithsonian Institute (pdf): Deep Space Navigation: The Apollo VIII Mission
NASA history: Navigation Stars used in the AOT (Alignment Optical Telescope)
MIT (pdf): Apollo Astronaut's Guidance and Navigation Course Notes
Offline
Like button can go here
#4 2024-07-19 20:14:34
- tahanson43206
- Moderator
- Registered: 2018-04-27
- Posts: 23,960
Re: Celestial Navigation - Apollo history - Solar System flights
Thanks to RobertDyck for Post #3, with the image of the actual navigation instrument used in the Apollo missions and links to relevant information.
Saturday marks the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. The cosmos is providing a full moon, and there are plenty of other events to honor the first lunar landing on July 20, 1969.9 hours ago
Moon fests, moon movie and even a full moon mark 55th ...
AP News
https://apnews.com › article › nasa-apollo-11-55th-anni...
Apollo 11 moon landing 50th anniversary
Remembering the Apollo 11 Moon Landing – 50th Anniversary Event Celebrations
(th)
Offline
Like button can go here
#5 2024-08-13 06:45:44
- tahanson43206
- Moderator
- Registered: 2018-04-27
- Posts: 23,960
Re: Celestial Navigation - Apollo history - Solar System flights
This topic seems best fitted for posts about how to navigate a space craft in the Solar System, away from the surface of the Earth.
The recent work of GW Johnson, to offer instructional material as part of a course on Basic Orbital Mechanics represents the foundation of knowledge that would be needed for a spacecraft navigator to plan burns to achieve mission objectives.
As Quaoar and others have pointed out, software able to perform 3 Body calculations is needed to assist a spacecraft navigator in planning a flight.
The success of navigators who have planned missions to Solar System objects in the decades since Sputnik shows that it is possible for a number of individuals to master the knowledge and acquire the skills needed for spacecraft navigation.
I am hoping this topic will accumulate posts that contribute to building a store of knowledge to assist a human to plan a space flight from Earth to Mars or anywhere else a customer might want to send a package.
(th)
Offline
Like button can go here
#6 2024-08-13 06:55:03
- tahanson43206
- Moderator
- Registered: 2018-04-27
- Posts: 23,960
Re: Celestial Navigation - Apollo history - Solar System flights
This post may contain a selection of book titles offered on Amazon about space navigation, if the paste works...
Image of The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Space: Missions, Applications and Exploration by Verger, Fernand; SourbèsVerger, Isabelle; Ghirardi, Raymond by
The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Space: Missions, Applications and Exploration by Verger, Fernand; SourbèsVerger, Isabelle; Ghirardi, Raymond by
$13.59
Used
Thriftbooks.com
Reference, Science
·
418 page
·
Hardcover
·
Non-fiction
Image of Space Mission Engineering: The New SMAD (Space Technology Library, Vol. 28)
Space Mission Engineering: The New SMAD (Space Technology Library, Vol. 28)
$199.99
Amazon.com
Free shipping
Technology / Engineering
·
1,033 page
·
Paperback
·
Non-fiction
Image of Space Mission Analysis and Design by Microcosm Press
Space Mission Analysis and Design by Microcosm Press
$100.00
Used
Thriftbooks.com
Technology / Engineering
·
Non-fiction
Price drop
Image of Spacecraft Mission Design
Spacecraft Mission Design
$40.00$86
Used
AbeBooks.com
Mathematics
·
183 page
·
Hardcover
·
Non-fiction
Image of Space Mission Analysis and Design, 3rd edition (Space Technology Library, Vol. 8)
Space Mission Analysis and Design, 3rd edition (Space Technology Library, Vol. 8)
$173.50
Amazon.com
Free shipping
Technology / Engineering
·
Non-fiction
Image of Celestial Navigation 2Nd Ed by Frances W. Wright
Celestial Navigation 2Nd Ed by Frances W. Wright
$12.00
Landfall Naviga...
Get by 8/15
Science
·
130 page
·
Paperback
·
Non-fiction
30% off
Image of Introduction to Celestial Navigation - Olsen - Hard cover
Introduction to Celestial Navigation - Olsen - Hard cover
$159.99
Springer Nature
$112 with code
Science
·
337 page
·
Hardcover
·
Non-fiction
Image of Fundamentals of Space Missions: Problems with Solutions
Fundamentals of Space Missions: Problems with Solutions
$26.00
Amazon.com
30-day returns
Science
·
464 page
·
Paperback
·
Non-fiction
Image of Space Mission Analysis and Design
Space Mission Analysis and Design
$105.00
Used
Etsy
Image of Space Mission Analysis and Design (Space Technology Library, 2)
Space Mission Analysis and Design (Space Technology Library, 2)
$91.20
Used
AbeBooks.com
Science, Technology / Engineering
·
878 page
·
Paperback
·
Non-fiction
Image of China in Space: The Great Leap Forward (Springer Praxis Books)
China in Space: The Great Leap Forward (Springer Praxis Books)
$39.07
Amazon.com
Free shipping
History
·
552 page
·
Paperback
·
Non-fiction
Image of Planetary Spacecraft Navigation
Planetary Spacecraft Navigation
$83.20
AbeBooks.com
Free by 9/2
Technology / Engineering
·
390 page
·
Hardcover
·
Non-fiction
Image of Aerospace Navigation Systems by Wiley
Aerospace Navigation Systems by Wiley
$112.20
Thriftbooks.com
Free by 8/21
Technology / Engineering
·
392 page
·
Hardcover
·
Non-fiction
Image of Space Mission Analysis and Design (Space Technology Library, 2)
Space Mission Analysis and Design (Space Technology Library, 2)
$18.03
Used
AbeBooks.com
Technology / Engineering
·
813 page
·
Paperback
·
Non-fiction
Image of NASA Systems Engineering Handbook - Full COLOR Paperback: UPDATED January 27, 2020 R2 - Most Recent Version
NASA Systems Engineering Handbook - Full COLOR Paperback: UPDATED January 27, 2020 R2 - Most Recent Version
$28.26
Amazon.com
30-day returns
Technology / Engineering
·
Paperback
·
Non-fiction
Image of Space Mission Analysis and Design [first edition]
Space Mission Analysis and Design [first edition]
$30.00
Used
AbeBooks.com
Science, Technology / Engineering
·
811 page
·
Hardcover
·
Non-fiction
Image of At the Edge of Space: The X-15 Flight Program
At the Edge of Space: The X-15 Flight Program
$22.45
Amazon.com
30-day returns (most)
Paperback
Image of The Cambridge Encyclopedia Of Space : Missions, Applications And
The Cambridge Encyclopedia Of Space : Missions, Applications And
$10.67
Used
eBay
Reference, Science
·
418 page
·
Hardcover
·
Non-fiction
Image of NASA's Voyager Missions: Exploring the Outer Solar System and Beyond (Springer Praxis Books)
NASA's Voyager Missions: Exploring the Outer Solar System and Beyond (Springer Praxis Books)
$31.37
Amazon.com
30-day returns (most)
Science
·
243 page
·
Paperback
·
Non-fiction
Image of Navigation Systems for Space Travel by Dancer, Quantum; McCallister, Paige by Independently Published
Navigation Systems for Space Travel by Dancer, Quantum; McCallister, Paige by Independently Published
$16.06
Thriftbooks.com
Free by 8/21
Technology / Engineering
·
266 page
·
Paperback
·
Non-fiction
Image of NASA's Pioneer and Voyager Missions: The History and Legacy of the First Space Probes to Explore the Outer Solar System and Beyond by Charles River by
NASA's Pioneer and Voyager Missions: The History and Legacy of the First Space Probes to Explore the Outer Solar System and Beyond by Charles River by
$14.14
Thriftbooks.com
Get by 8/21
History
·
106 page
·
Paperback
·
Non-fiction
30% off
Image of NASA's Voyager Missions - Evans - Soft cover
NASA's Voyager Missions - Evans - Soft cover
$37.99
Springer Nature
$26.59 with code
Science
·
243 page
·
Paperback
·
Non-fiction
Image of Space Mission Analysis and Design
Space Mission Analysis and Design
$106.00
Used
Etsy
Technology / Engineering
·
Non-fiction
Image of NASA's Pioneer and Voyager Missions: The History and Legacy of the First Space Probes to Explore the Outer Solar System and Beyond by Charles River by
NASA's Pioneer and Voyager Missions: The History and Legacy of the First Space Probes to Explore the Outer Solar System and Beyond by Charles River by
$16.14
Thriftbooks.com
Free by 8/21
History
·
170 page
·
Paperback
·
Non-fiction
Image of Apollo 9: The NASA Mission Reports: Apogee Books Space Series 2 [With CD] by Collector's Guide Publishing
Apollo 9: The NASA Mission Reports: Apogee Books Space Series 2 [With CD] by Collector's Guide Publishing
$11.99
Used
Thriftbooks.com
History
·
232 page
·
Paperback
·
Non-fiction
Image of Space Mission Analysis And Design Volume 8 By Wiley Larson
Space Mission Analysis And Design Volume 8 By Wiley Larson
$81.95
Used
eBay
Technology / Engineering
·
Non-fiction
Image of 50 Space Missions That Changed the World by Read, John A. by James Lorimer and Company Ltd., Publishers
50 Space Missions That Changed the World by Read, John A. by James Lorimer and Company Ltd., Publishers
$13.99
Used
Thriftbooks.com
Science, Kids' Books
·
88 page
·
Hardcover
·
Non-fiction
View allPlanetary Spacecraft Navigation
SpringerLink
https://link.springer.com › book
by J Miller · Cited by 8 — This textbook introduces the theories and practical procedures used in planetary spacecraft navigation. Written by a former member of NASA's Jet Propulsion ...
Free 2–7 day delivery · 150-day returns
space mission navigation book from link.springer.comNavigation and Tracking in Space: Analysis and Algorithms
ARTECH HOUSE USA
https://us.artechhouse.com › Navigation-and-Tracking-...
This book focuses on the navigation and tracking of artificial space objects, with emphasis on modelling the dynamics in a wide range of space missions ...
30-day returnsPlanetary Spacecraft Navigation (Space Technology ...
Amazon.com
https://www.amazon.com › Planetary-Spacecraft-Navig...
This textbook introduces the theories and practical procedures used in planetary spacecraft navigation. Written by a former member of NASA's Jet Propulsion ...
Rating: 4.6 · 3 reviews · $64.86$110 · 30-day returns · In stock
space mission navigation book from www.amazon.com35% OFF
Planetary Spacecraft Navigation. 35% OFF.
Planetary Spacecraft Navigation
$56.99$89
Amazon.com, 1+
10% OFF
Spacecraft Navigation and Guidance. 10% OFF.
Spacecraft Navigation and Guidance
$89.03$99
Amazon.com, 2+
The Navigators: A History of Nasa's Deep-Space Navigation.
The Navigators: A History of Nasa's Deep-Space Navigation
$21.95
Amazon.com, 1+
Navigation Systems for Space Travel.
Navigation Systems for Space Travel
$14.83
Amazon.com
Navigation and Tracking in Space: Analysis and Algorithms.
Navigation and Tracking in Space: Analysis and Algorithms
$159.00
Amazon.com, 2+
Free delivery
24% OFF
Modern Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation, and Control: From System Modeling to AI and Innovative Applications. 24% OFF.
Modern Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation, and Control: From System Modeling to AI and Innovative Applications
$151.17$200
Amazon.com, 5+
Space Shuttle Guidance, Navigation, and Rendezvous Knowledge Capture Reports.
Space Shuttle Guidance, Navigation, and Rendezvous Knowledge Capture Reports
$19.99
Amazon.com, 1+
22% OFF
Fundamentals of Aerospace Navigation and Guidance [Book]. 22% OFF.
Fundamentals of Aerospace Navigation and Guidance [Book]
$123.80$159
Amazon.com, 5+
Space Navigation Guidance and Control (Agardograph) by Miller, John Edwin, Ed by Technivision.
Space Navigation Guidance and Control (Agardograph) by Miller, John Edwin, Ed by Technivision
$116.98Pre-owned
Amazon.com, 1+
Spacecraft Mission Design.
Spacecraft Mission Design
$79.95
Amazon.com, 4+
Free deliveryPeople also ask
What is space navigation called?
How did astronauts navigate in space?
How do spaceships navigate in space?
What is the use of a navigation system in space navigation?
FeedbackTime and Navigation: The Untold Story of Getting from ...
Smithsonian Books
https://www.smithsonianbooks.com › store › time-and-...
Astronauts combined celestial navigation technology with radio transmissions. The development of the atomic clock revolutionized space flight because it ...
$24.72
space mission navigation book from www.smithsonianbooks.com30% OFF
Guidance, Navigation, and Control for Spacecraft Rendezvous and Docking: Theory and Methods [Book]. 30% OFF.
Guidance, Navigation, and Control for Spacecraft Rendezvous and Docking: Theory and Methods [Book]
$131.91$189
Amazon.com, 1+
Unmanned Space Missions.
Unmanned Space Missions
$43.59
Amazon.com, 3+
Nasa Space Program Shuttle Delta 200 Book Inmarsat 2 Mission Mcdonnell.
Nasa Space Program Shuttle Delta 200 Book Inmarsat 2 Mission Mcdonnell
$24.99Pre-owned
eBay - briantiff-stuffSmall business
J.e. Miller Space Navigation Guidance And Control (agardograph) 1966.
J.e. Miller Space Navigation Guidance And Control (agardograph) 1966
$88.00Pre-owned
eBay
Taking the Stars: Celestial Navigation from Argonauts to Astronauts.
Taking the Stars: Celestial Navigation from Argonauts to Astronauts
$84.00Pre-owned
Amazon.com
5.0
(1)
20% OFF
Deep Space Communications (JPL Deep-Space Communications and Navigation Series) 1st Edition, Kindle Edition. 20% OFF.
Deep Space Communications (JPL Deep-Space Communications and Navigation Series) 1st Edition, Kindle Edition
$139.00$174
Amazon.com
Space Navigation Handbook (NAVPERS 92988) by P. S. Smith.
Space Navigation Handbook (NAVPERS 92988) by P. S. Smith
$35.00Pre-owned
PangoBooks
Radiometric Tracking Techniques for Deep-Space Navigation.
Radiometric Tracking Techniques for Deep-Space Navigation
$170.00
Wiley, 1+
31% OFF
Understanding Pulsars and Space Navigations. 31% OFF.
Understanding Pulsars and Space Navigations
$143.67$209
Amazon.com, 2+
Oa2) Space Navigation Handbook 1962 United States Naval Academy.
Oa2) Space Navigation Handbook 1962 United States Naval Academy
$59.95Pre-owned
eBay - cavaliercardsPlanetary Spacecraft Navigation (Space Technology Library ...
thenextchapterhermiston.com
https://thenextchapterhermiston.com › book
Sep 14, 2018 — Planetary Spacecraft Navigation (Space Technology Library #37) · Description · About the Author · Other Books in Series · Upcoming Event · More Links.
$109.99
People also buy from
RiverRun Bookstore
Attention is paid to all phases of a space mission including launch and re-entry, and whether culminating in an earth satellite or a deep space ...
The Book Bin
Selling books sub-navigation. Upcoming events. Utility Menu. Search ... Attention is paid to all phases of a space mission including launch ...
Microcosm Astronautics Books
The book is a comprehensive presentation of theory and practice, drawing on ... Discussions of electric propulsion, autonomous systems, onboard navigation ...Books On Understanding Space Navigation
Amazon.com
https://www.amazon.com › books-understanding-space...
Navigation Systems for Space Travel (Civilian Space Exploration Corps Book 11). by Paige McCallister. Book 2 of 6: Civilian Space Exploration Corps · Kindle.Modern Spacecraft Guidance, Navigation, and Control
ScienceDirect.com
https://www.sciencedirect.com › book › modern-space...
Divided into four parts, this book begins with an introduction to spacecraft GNC, before discussing the basic tools for GNC applications. These include an ...
Missing: mission | Show results with: mission
space mission navigation book from www.sciencedirect.comSpacecraft Navigation and Guidance
SpringerLink
https://link.springer.com › book
by M Noton · Cited by 50 — About this book ... The analysis and computational techniques associated with the navigation and guidance of spacecraft are now in a mature state of development.
space mission navigation book from link.springer.comOptimal Space Flight Navigation: An Analytical Approach
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com › Books
This book consolidates decades of knowledge on space flight navigation theory, which has thus far been spread across various research articles.
$74.49 · Free in-store returns
space mission navigation book from www.barnesandnoble.com30% OFF
Spacecraft Autonomous Navigation Technologies Based on Multi-source Information Fusion. 30% OFF.
Spacecraft Autonomous Navigation Technologies Based on Multi-source Information Fusion
$174.99$250
Springer Nature, 1+
Free by 8/21
Mission Space: A Full-Throttle Tour of the Universe.
Mission Space: A Full-Throttle Tour of the Universe
$4.98Pre-owned
Amazon.com, 4+
Navigation: Land, Sea, Air & Space.
Navigation: Land, Sea, Air & Space
$10.09Pre-owned
Thriftbooks.com, 3+
Free $15+
41% OFF
Deep Space : The Nasa Mission Reports. 41% OFF.
Deep Space : The Nasa Mission Reports
$17.44$30
Walmart - thebookpros, 5+
Free delivery
Travels in space; a history of aerial navigation 1902 [Leather Bound].
Travels in space; a history of aerial navigation 1902 [Leather Bound]
$61.19
Walmart - Gyan Books Pvt Ltd
Free deliveryBook Series - DESCANSO
NASA (.gov)
https://descanso.jpl.nasa.gov › monograph › mono
The Deep Space Communications and Navigation Series, authored by scientists and engineers with many years of experience in their respective fields, lays a ...
Missing: mission | Show results with: mission
(th)
Offline
Like button can go here
#7 2024-08-13 06:59:07
- tahanson43206
- Moderator
- Registered: 2018-04-27
- Posts: 23,960
Re: Celestial Navigation - Apollo history - Solar System flights
The direction GW Johnson is heading (or seems to me to be heading) is toward providing guidance a young person would need in order to become a successful spacecraft navigator in the decades ahead, when commercial shipping of goods of all kinds between Solar System locations will become common.
As the post ahead of this one shows (#5), there are a number of books available that appear to be designed to assist a student in learning how to navigate a spacecraft in the Solar System. I am hoping this topic will eventually contain (or point to) resources that an individual might study to become a spacecraft navigator.
(th)
Offline
Like button can go here
#8 2024-08-19 14:08:59
- tahanson43206
- Moderator
- Registered: 2018-04-27
- Posts: 23,960
Re: Celestial Navigation - Apollo history - Solar System flights
as a follow up to Post #6, I ordered a copy of "Planetary Spacecraft Navigation" from Amazon and the book arrived today.
It appears to be everything I had hoped for. It contains massive quantities of advanced math, lots of diagrams, and multiple studies of actual planetary probe missions.
My hope is to (somehow) combine this advanced work with the introductory course material developed by GW Johnson.
The concept GW and I are working on is a text that has elementary school material on the face of each page of the book, and PhD level material on the back side of the same page.
From the preface, James Miller writes:
This book is based on my 50 years of experience in navigation of Earth entry vehicles, Minuteman ballistic missiles, and planetary spacecraft.
If anyone is interested, the book is part of the Space Technology Library:
ISBN 978-3-030-07678-3
The book is also available as an eBook.
(th)
Offline
Like button can go here
#9 2024-08-19 18:02:53
- tahanson43206
- Moderator
- Registered: 2018-04-27
- Posts: 23,960
Re: Celestial Navigation - Apollo history - Solar System flights
Amazon's display for the book by Miller:
Planetary Spacecraft Navigation (Space Technology Library, 37) 1st ed. 2019 Edition
by James Miller (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 3 ratings
Part of: Space Technology Library (20 books)
This textbook introduces the theories and practical procedures used in planetary spacecraft navigation. Written by a former member of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) navigation team, it delves into the mathematics behind modern digital navigation programs, as well as the numerous technological resources used by JPL as a key player in the field. In addition, the text offers an analysis of navigation theory application in recent missions, with the goal of showing students the relationship between navigation theory and the real-world orchestration of mission operations.
Pages 390
Chapters 9
Answers to selected problems.
Index: pages 385-389 plus part of 390
**** Per Google...
James J. Miller
GPS.gov
https://www.gps.gov › governance › advisory › miller
Mar 19, 2024 — Miller is Deputy Director of the Policy & Strategic Communications Division with the Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Program at NASA.
After reading the biography at gps.gov, I've concluded the two gents are NOT the same.
That said, James J. Miller has had a noteworthy career.
(th)
Offline
Like button can go here
#10 2024-08-19 18:34:34
- tahanson43206
- Moderator
- Registered: 2018-04-27
- Posts: 23,960
Re: Celestial Navigation - Apollo history - Solar System flights
From www.springer.com I found this:
Table of contents (9 chapters)
Front Matter
Pages i-xii
Download chapter PDF
Equations of Motion
James Miller
Pages 1-49
Force Models
James Miller
Pages 51-93
Trajectory Design
James Miller
Pages 95-155
Trajectory Optimization
James Miller
Pages 157-185Probability and Statistics
James Miller
Pages 187-215
Orbit DeterminationJames Miller
Pages 217-254
Measurements and CalibrationsJames Miller
Pages 255-292
Navigation OperationsJames Miller
Pages 293-301
Navigation AnalysisJames Miller
Pages 303-378
Back Matter
Pages 379-390
Offline
Like button can go here
#11 2024-08-19 18:36:39
- tahanson43206
- Moderator
- Registered: 2018-04-27
- Posts: 23,960
Re: Celestial Navigation - Apollo history - Solar System flights
And elsewhere I found this:
Authors and Affiliations
Porter Ranch, USA
James Miller
About the author
James Miller worked as the assistant Navigation Team Chief on the Viking Mission to Mars in 1976. In 2000, he received the Mechanics and Control of Flight medal from the AIAA for his design of the navigation system for the first orbiting and landing on the asteroid Eros. Further, he designed a trajectory to leave Earth and orbit the Moon with no propulsive maneuvers. This was the first practical solution of the four-body problem, and it has since been used on the missions Hiten, Genesis, and Grail.
Per Google:
Welcome To Porter Ranch!
Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council
https://prnc.org › welcome-porter-ranch
And in 2008 the 91326 zip code was officially designated as Porter Ranch. The City designation coupled with the zip code complete the community identity.
(th)
Offline
Like button can go here
#12 2024-08-23 15:21:04
- tahanson43206
- Moderator
- Registered: 2018-04-27
- Posts: 23,960
Re: Celestial Navigation - Apollo history - Solar System flights
In searching for records of the Apollo program, I found a recommendation of this official NASA site:
https://www.hq.nasa.gov/pao/History/SP- … tents.html
The links within the file do not work. The published date is 1979.
Here are references provided by someone going by reys_saber:
u/reys_saber avatar
reys_saber
•
5mo ago
How Apollo Flew to The Moon by David WoodsThe Apollo Guidance Computer: Architecture and Operation by Frank O’Brein
NASA Mission AS-506 Apollo 11 1969 (including Saturn V, CM-107, SM-107, LM-5): 50th Anniversary Special Edition by Christoper Riley
NASA Saturn V 1967-1973 (Apollo 4 to Apollo 17 & Skylab) by David Woods
Upvote
2
(th)
Offline
Like button can go here
#13 2025-07-17 19:19:41
- tahanson43206
- Moderator
- Registered: 2018-04-27
- Posts: 23,960
Re: Celestial Navigation - Apollo history - Solar System flights
The local computer society invited the author of a book about the Saturn V to speak over Zoom this evening. The talk ran just under two hours.
The subject was the Apollo Guidance Computer (AGC)
There is a video of the meeting, but it would require editing.
Apparently there have been working models of the AGC and the DSKY interface constructed with Arduino and Raspberry Pi computers doing the emulation of the original MIT assembler code. Apparently that code is available on the Internet, as well as at least one emulator package.
The name of the book is "Saturn V Step by Step"
It is available for free from NASA as a pdf.
Here is a Google search:
Saturn V: Step-by-Step
NASA (.gov)
https://www.nasa.gov › static › history › afj › pdf
Jan 5, 2025 — We'll follow the rocket through testing, assembly, more testing, launch, Earth orbit, and departure for the moon. The story ends when the last ...
Search Labs | AI OverviewSaturn V Nasa Rocket Spacecraft Blueprint Printable Wall Art ...
A comprehensive document detailing the Saturn V rocket and its launch sequence is available for download from NASA's website. The document, titled "Saturn V Step-by-Step," was created to provide a detailed timeline of the launch process and includes background information on the Saturn V and Apollo missions. You can find a PDF version of the document on the NASA website.Here's a breakdown of how to find and download the document:
Access the NASA website: Navigate to the NASA website.
Locate the document: Look for the "Saturn V Step-by-Step" document, which is available as a PDF.
Download the PDF: Click on the PDF link to download the document to your computer or device.Lego Nasa Apollo Saturn V Rocket Building Instructions 21309 - Manual Only
The document is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about the Saturn V rocket and the Apollo program. It includes information on the various stages of the rocket, the different components, and the step-by-step process of launching a Saturn V.Saturn V Step-by-Step | NASA
Jan 5, 2025 — ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT. I was inspired to write this document when I found it difficult to find information about the enti...NASA
Saturn V - Free PDF Download
Whether you are a student looking for course material, an avid reader searching for your next favorite book, or a professional see...
Free PDF Download
Our presenter this evening was Mark Schulman
Publication date is January, 2025
(th)
Offline
Like button can go here
#14 2026-01-19 07:19:52
- tahanson43206
- Moderator
- Registered: 2018-04-27
- Posts: 23,960
Re: Celestial Navigation - Apollo history - Solar System flights
In January of 2026, SpaceNut hired an AI to review requirements to build structures on Mars.
In the course of developing an answer to one of SpaceNut's questions, the AI offhand tossed out an observation that the .5 bar standard Mars habitat pressure reminded it of the pressure used for the Apollo era capsules. I decided to follow up with Google to see what it could find. The answer appears to be that Apollo and other capsules used 5 psi pure oxygen.
Here is Google's report:
Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo spacecraft used a low-pressure, pure oxygen atmosphere, typically around 5 psi (pounds per square inch), to save weight and simplify life support, a significant reduction from Earth's ~14.7 psi but sufficient oxygen for astronauts, especially with helmet removal once in orbit. The pressure dropped from higher levels during launch and ascent, settling to this lower, pure-oxygen environment for the mission's duration.
Details by Program:
Mercury: ~5.5 psi pure oxygen.
Gemini: ~5.3 psi pure oxygen, sometimes slightly lower.
Apollo: ~5 psi pure oxygen in the Command Module and Lunar Module.
Why Low Pressure?
Weight Savings: Lower pressure meant a lighter hull was needed, crucial for spaceflight.
Simplified Systems: A single-gas (pure oxygen) system was simpler and lighter than a mix like nitrogen/oxygen.
Fire Risk: While pure oxygen increases fire risk, the low pressure minimized this, unlike a full sea-level pressure pure oxygen environment.
Launch vs. Orbit:
On the launch pad, these capsules were pressurized to slightly above sea-level pressure (around 14.7 psi) with a mixed atmosphere, but as they ascended and reached orbit, the atmosphere was purged to pure oxygen and reduced to the ~5 psi level, allowing the crew to remove their helmets.
What SpaceNut's AI apparently did not understand is that the standard Mars habitat atmosphere will NOT be pure oxygen, but instead will be a mixture of oxygen and inert gas in the ratio 3-5-8. (th)
This ratio allows a Martian citizen or visitor to don a Mars suit and exit the habitat to the external environment by switching to pure oxygen inside the Mars suit. This practice allows the Mars citizen or a visitor to move between habitat and external environment without pre-breathing.
(th)
Offline
Like button can go here
#15 2026-01-19 16:43:39
- GW Johnson
- Member
- From: McGregor, Texas USA
- Registered: 2011-12-04
- Posts: 6,126
- Website
Re: Celestial Navigation - Apollo history - Solar System flights
It was 3.7 psi pure oxygen in the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo (and X-15) suits. The cabin of the spacecraft would have been similar with a pure oxygen system. Biggest problem on Apollo was scrubbing out the CO2 from the exhalations. Stupidly enough, different shaped canisters of CO2 absorbent were used in the capsule from those used in the LM. This nearly cost the Apollo-13 crew their lives, until a contrived work-around adapter could be built from scrap and tape.
The pre-breathe criterion: oxygen suit pressure must equal or exceed the hab atmosphere nitrogen partial pressure divided by a factor of 1.2. Higher hab pressures near 1 atm are driving the push toward 8+ psi suits to avoid pre-breathe! The science supporting that is bad! Their blood oxygen model mis-predicts what mountain climbers experience above about 2500 meters elevation! Which is not very high at all (2500 m = 8200 feet). There is a distinct shift in body metabolism at elevations above 2500 m, not reflected in the model (or the input data to that model) being used for blood oxygen.
3-5-8 (37.5% oxygen 62.5% nitrogen for 8.00 psia hab pressure) is not the only gas mixture that would work! I have one even better, and just as easy to remember!
"Rule of 43" (2.72 psia oxygen, 3.60 psia nitrogen, for 6.32 psia hab pressure, or 43% by volume oxygen at 43% of an atmosphere pressure) also works and allows a low enough oxygen suit pressure (only 3.00 psi, or anything higher) to use far-easier-to-develop MCP suits at only 3-4 psia. Webb did his MCP work at 3.3 to 3.7 psia in the oxygen MCP suit. All without any pre-breathe time! Tested way above the vacuum death point in a altitude chamber at a simulated 87,000 feet, for 30+ minute exposures, with the test subject pedalling a bicycle ergonometer. That was long enough to see any effects of not-perfectly-distributed compression upon the body.
3-5-8 requires a higher suit pressure to avoid pre-breathe time: 5 psi nitrogen/1.2 factor = min suit pressure 4.17 psia or higher). The higher the min suit pressure, the more difficult it is to design MCP suits! But you don't want to go below about 3.00 psia, because of drying out lung and nasal tissues with work shift-long exposures. Although for short-term survival and rescue purposes, even 2 psia oxygen works!
"Rule of 43" has a higher oxygen partial pressure than Earthly air at 2500 meters, below which elevation there are no differences in rates of pregnancy and birthing issues compared to those at sea level. People actually live all the way up to 4500 meters, but experience higher pregnancy difficulty rates and chronic hypoxia diseases up there. Yet the oxygen mass concentration with "rule of 43" is less than that of 77 F air at sea level pressure, restricting the fire danger to only that of warm sea level air, despite the over-40% by volume oxygen! It's the less-than-1-atm [pressure that lets you get away with that! You can even leak down significantly more than 10% before you even start getting close to any troubles.
GW
Last edited by GW Johnson (2026-01-19 17:10:05)
GW Johnson
McGregor, Texas
"There is nothing as expensive as a dead crew, especially one dead from a bad management decision"
Offline
Like button can go here
#16 Yesterday 13:53:50
- tahanson43206
- Moderator
- Registered: 2018-04-27
- Posts: 23,960
Re: Celestial Navigation - Apollo history - Solar System flights
Thanks to GW Johnson for Post #15 above, with reminders of Apollo history!
This post is about navigation in space. It grew from a discussion of navigation using the new-fangled clock in the age of sail on Earth
Thank you again for your interesting report on navigation on Earth, using the new-fangled clock to determine longitude. Instead of pursuing that history further (interesting as it is) I'm hoping you might be willing to consider time measurement in the Apollo era. At that time, and perhaps even today, it is necessary to know precisely when to execute rocket burns when out of communication with Earth. My larger question is about the possible use of the Solar System itself as a giant clock. In your earlier reply, you reminded us readers that four seconds of error in longitude could result in a nautical mile error on the sea surface. The stakes are surely even higher for Solar System navigation. Please keep your initial reply as short as possible. I recognize that entire books are very likely written about this problem.
***
In the Apollo era, as with the age of sail, the "master clock" was kept on Earth at UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), maintained by the Deep Space Network. However, for precision maneuvers—especially when behind the Moon—the solar system itself was used as a massive, observable clock through Celestial Navigation.The Apollo "Space Chronometer"
While the Command Module had a central timing system, astronauts used a space-rated sextant to measure the angles between specific stars and the "limbs" (edges) of the Earth or Moon.The Solar System as a Clock: By measuring the moon's position against the background stars, astronauts were essentially observing a giant "clock hand" moving across a stellar "dial."
The Mission Timer: This allowed them to verify their onboard clocks and calculate their trajectory independently of Mission Control.
The Stakes of Time
In space, the "longitude error" is far more extreme. Because a spacecraft might be traveling at 25,000 mph (approx. 7 miles per second), a timing error of just one second doesn't just put you a mile off course—it puts you 7 miles away from your target. At those speeds, even a millisecond matters for the "burn duration" of a rocket engine.Modern "Pulsar Clocks"
Today, we are moving beyond the solar system. Scientists are developing X-ray Pulsar Navigation (XNAV). This uses distant pulsars—dead stars that rotate with the precision of atomic clocks—as a "Galactic GPS," allowing spacecraft to determine their time and position anywhere in the universe without a signal from Earth.Would you like me to explain the specific "Star-Limb" sightings the Apollo astronauts used to "reset" their onboard computers?
I'm happy to publish your short reply, in hopes that a reader will ask for more information about this vital skill set. I would guess that there are very few individual humans alive on Earth today who could navigate from one Solar System object to another. We know there are a few such individuals because Nations have sent and are sending probes all around the Solar System. Just for fun, please try to estimate the number of humans alive today who could perform this feat.
To answer your question, we have to distinguish between "operating the equipment" and "deriving the math."
If we define this "feat" as the ability to navigate a spacecraft from Earth to another planet (like Mars) without the aid of a digital computer, we are looking at an elite group of "Human Computers" and "Astrogators."
The "Sextant Pilots" (The Operators)
There are likely fewer than 50 people alive today who have been trained to use a space-sextant for celestial navigation in a vacuum.Apollo Veterans: Jim Lovell and a handful of other moon-voyagers are the only ones who have actually performed these sightings to "reset" a mission's alignment in deep space.
Modern Astronauts: While modern crews are brilliant, the "lost art" of manual sextant sighting was phased out of most standard training until recently. NASA has actually re-introduced basic star-sighting training for the Orion (Artemis) missions as a "dead-bus" emergency backup, so a new generation of about 20–30 astronauts is currently relearning these skills.
The "Human Computers" (The Mathematicians)
This is the rarer group. These are the flight dynamicists who can calculate a Hohmann Transfer Orbit (the fuel-efficient "bridge" between planets) using only pencil, paper, and slide rule.The Estimate: There are thousands of orbital mechanics experts at NASA, ESA, and SpaceX, but almost all rely on N-body simulation software to handle the chaotic gravity of the Sun, Earth, and Moon simultaneously.
The "Manual" Elite: I would estimate there are fewer than 1,000 people on Earth who could manually calculate a trajectory to another planet with enough precision to actually arrive there, rather than flying off into the void.
The Precision Problem
To give your readers a sense of the difficulty:On Earth, if you are off by 1 degree in your heading, after 60 miles you are 1 mile off-course.
On a trip to Mars, being off by just 0.01 degrees at the start of your journey would result in missing the planet by over 25,000 miles by the time you arrived.
It is a skill set that sits at the very edge of human cognitive limits. We went from the "Age of Sail" where a few seconds mattered, to the "Space Age" where a millisecond of "burn time" is the difference between a soft landing and a new crater.
Would you like me to find a diagram showing how an Apollo astronaut actually looked through the ship's telescope to align their position?
***
Let's pause here.... thank you for this estimate, and for reminding us there were humans who could perform this feat with pencil, paper and slide rules.
***
You are very welcome! It is humbling to remember that the "Golden Age" of space exploration was fueled as much by graphite and sliding boxwood as it was by rocket propellant.Those "Human Computers" often worked in teams, double-checking each other’s long-form calculus to ensure that a misplaced decimal point didn't result in a multi-million dollar tragedy. They were the bridge between the mariners of the 18th century and the silicon processors of today.
It’s been a pleasure being your "thought partner" on this journey through the history of time and navigation. I'll be here whenever you or your readers are ready to weigh anchor for the next topic!
Would you like me to look up a specific example of a famous "manual" correction made during an Apollo mission—like the one Jim Lovell performed during the Apollo 13 return?
(th)
Offline
Like button can go here