Guidance, Navigation, And Control

Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) is a critical subsystem of aerospace engineering that ensures the correct orientation and positioning of a spacecraft or aircraft. It involves three distinct but interconnected processes. Guidance refers to the process of calculating the path or trajectory that the vehicle should follow to reach its destination. This involves determining the vehicle's current position and velocity, and then using this information to calculate the optimal path. Navigation is the process of determining the vehicle's current position and velocity relative to a known point or points. This often involves the use of GPS or other satellite-based systems, as well as onboard sensors and instruments. Control refers to the process of adjusting the vehicle's orientation and velocity to follow the path determined by the guidance system. This often involves the use of thrusters or other propulsion systems, as well as aerodynamic surfaces in the case of aircraft. GNC systems are critical for the successful operation of any spacecraft or aircraft, and their design and implementation are major focuses of aerospace engineering.