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Concept

inertial navigation

A compass with golden pointers and directional markers against a cloudy sky symbolizes the concept of inertial navigation, which uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to determine position, velocity, and orientation independently.

Inertial navigation is a self-contained method of calculating position, velocity, and orientation without referencing external signals. It relies on a combination of accelerometers and gyroscopes to continuously calculate a moving object's dead reckoning position. Developed for aircraft and missiles, it remains critical for submarines and spacecraft.

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