How NASA navigators map the complex orbital dances of our solar system's outer moons.

Navigation engineers at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory explain the critical role of orbital dynamics in planning deep space missions. This talk explores how understanding resonances and the precise locations of small moons allows scientists to navigate the outer solar system effectively.

On March 17, 2022, NASA experts Dr. Marina Brozovic, Brian White, and Lindsay McLaurin presented a public talk on the mechanics of outer solar system exploration. The discussion focuses on the practical application of orbital dynamics, emphasizing how tracking the movement of small moons is essential for mission planning.

The presentation highlights the importance of resonances—the gravitational interactions between celestial bodies—in shaping the environment of the outer solar system. By mapping these orbits, navigation engineers can better prepare for future exploration missions.

Source: Moon Dance: Dynamics of the Moons of the Outer Solar System (Live Public Talk)