Onboard Instruments


Onboard Instruments in the context of aerospace engineering refer to the various devices and systems installed on an aircraft or spacecraft to monitor, control, and facilitate its operations. These instruments provide critical data about the vehicle's status, including its altitude, speed, direction, engine performance, and environmental conditions. They are essential for navigation, communication, and maintaining the safety and efficiency of the vehicle. Onboard instruments can range from basic analog gauges to sophisticated digital systems integrated with onboard computers. In the context of spacecraft, onboard instruments also include scientific instruments used for research and exploration purposes. These can include spectrometers, telescopes, particle detectors, and other devices designed to study celestial bodies, cosmic phenomena, and the space environment. The design, installation, and operation of onboard instruments involve a range of aerospace engineering disciplines, including avionics, systems engineering, and space science.


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