Collision avoidance (spacecraft)

So imagine you’re playing with your toy spaceship and you want it to go somewhere without crashing into anything. That’s what spacecraft need to do too, except they’re flying really fast through outer space!

To make sure spacecraft don’t hit anything like other spacecraft, asteroids, or satellites, they have something called collision avoidance. This is like their special radar system that helps them see and avoid things in their path.

First, the spacecraft uses cameras and sensors to see everything around them, like how you look both ways before crossing the street. Then, they process all that information using special computer programs and make a decision on what to do next.

If they spot something that’s on a collision course with them, they might change their speed, direction, or altitude to dodge it. And just like how you might yell “look out!” if you see someone in danger, the spacecraft might send a warning to the ground crew to take action.

By using their special collision avoidance systems, spacecraft can stay safe and avoid any obstacles in their path. And, just like how you can explore and play with your toy spaceship without worrying about it crashing, so can astronauts explore space with their real-life spacecraft!