Derivative Application in Navigation into Outerspace

摘要

The aim of the present paper is to use the first order mathematical derivative to explain the return trajectory of an object, in our particular case it is about a spaceship belonging to NASA Apollo 13 Space Program. Firstly, the mission overview is presented followed by the mathematical modelling pertaining to this case study. We focus on the events that could follow an unforeseen accident. More precisely, we take into consideration three types of the return trajectory that the spaceship could have followed: a ricochet in outer space, crashing on the Earth’s surface and safe landing on Earth. The numerical simulations are done using GeoGebra software. Finally, conclusions are drawn.