👉 Eclipse engineering is a specialized field within space mission planning and execution that focuses on the precise timing, positioning, and coordination of spacecraft to achieve optimal alignment with celestial bodies during solar eclipses. This involves meticulous calculations and scheduling to ensure that spacecraft can capture critical scientific observations or perform specific maneuvers when the Sun is obscured by the Moon, such as during a total solar eclipse. Engineers must account for the dynamic positions of both the Earth and the Sun, as well as the spacecraft's trajectory, to maximize data collection and mission success. This process often requires real-time adjustments and advanced modeling to adapt to unforeseen variables, ensuring that the scientific objectives of the mission are met despite the challenging and transient nature of eclipses.
