Pulsars map the way for space missions

A method for navigating spacecraft autonomously using pulsars has been developed by a group of researchers in Germany. Although the idea of using pulsars for stellar navigation was first proposed in the 1970s, the team has, for the first time, discussed the type of pulsars best suited for such measurements and has determined which type of detector – a radio or an X-ray detector – would currently be most feasible and practical to use on-board satellites and other spacecraft.