NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft has successfully demonstrated the use of stellar cartography to navigate its journey through interstellar space. This innovative technique uses the positions of nearby stars to determine the spacecraft’s location and trajectory.
In April 2020, the New Horizons spacecraft was 47.1 astronomical units (au) away from Earth when it was imaged by both NASA’s Deep Space Network and the spacecraft itself. By comparing these images, scientists were able to measure the parallax of two nearby stars, Proxima Centauri and Wolf 359. This allowed them to determine the spacecraft’s position relative to these stars with an accuracy of 0.44 au.
The team found that using a single pair of closest stars as references is the most effective method for navigating spacecraft on interstellar trajectories. They also discovered that this technique can be used to determine the three-dimensional location of a spacecraft with respect to nearby stars, marking the first time any method has been demonstrated for an interstellar mission.
The New Horizons team’s approach has significant implications for future space missions. By leveraging stellar cartography, scientists can continue to explore the unknown without relying on costly and complex navigation systems. This technology could potentially pave the way for humanity’s continued exploration of the solar system and beyond.
The use of stellar cartography by New Horizons has also provided valuable insights into the spacecraft’s trajectory and location. The team’s analysis revealed that the spacecraft’s path is inclined at an angle of less than 2 degrees from the ecliptic plane, demonstrating its ability to navigate through interstellar space with remarkable accuracy.
This breakthrough demonstrates the potential for stellar cartography as a navigation technique for deep space missions. As scientists continue to explore the vast expanse of our solar system and beyond, this technology could play a crucial role in enabling humanity’s continued pursuit of space exploration.
Source: https://astrobiology.com/2025/07/stellar-cartography-a-demonstration-of-interstellar-navigation-using-new-horizons.html