NASA’s Europa Clipper mission has successfully integrated innovative star trackers, also known as stellar reference units, to ensure precise orientation of the spacecraft. The star trackers use celestial bodies like stars to guide telecommunications antennas and facilitate smooth data transmission between Earth and the spacecraft.
Launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on October 14, 2024, Europa Clipper aims to explore Jupiter’s moon Europa, focusing on its icy shell, ocean, composition, and geology. This mission will aid scientists in understanding the astrobiological potential of habitable worlds beyond Earth.
Developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in partnership with APL for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, the mission involves collaborations between JPL, Goddard Space Flight Center, Marshall Space Flight Center, and Langley Research Center. The Europa Clipper mission is managed by Caltech’s Pasadena office and will provide valuable insights into Europa’s habitability.
Source: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/images/pia26562-star-trackers-for-europa-clipper