In this section

Basic Structure and Launching

Position and Orbit

Communication

Navigation

Power

Computer

Returning to Earth

Navigation

The orbiter must be able to know exactly where it is in space, where other objects are and how to change orbit.
The orbiter uses global positioning systems (GPS) to know where it is and how fast it is moving.
In addition, the orbiter has several gyroscopes in order to know which way it is pointing (attitude). All of this information is fed into the flight computers for rendezvous and docking maneuvers, which are controlled in the aft station of the flight deck.

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