Final answer:
Gyro instruments work on the principle of rigidity in space, maintaining consistent orientation thanks to their angular momentum. Precession allows gyroscopes to resist changes in orientation, making them vital in navigation for spacecraft and other vehicles where traditional compasses cannot be used.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gyro instruments that work on the principle of rigidity in space are often used in navigation systems to indicate directions in environments where magnetic compasses are ineffective. This principle relies on the fact that a gyroscope maintains the orientation of its axis of rotation regardless of the movement of the vehicle it is in. The gyroscope's ability to maintain a constant orientation is due to its angular momentum, which remains unchanged even in the presence of external forces and accelerations.
The phenomenon that allows a gyroscope to resist changes to its orientation is known as precession. Precession occurs when a torque is applied to the spinning gyroscope, leading to a change in angular momentum that is perpendicular to both the spin axis and the applied torque. This results in the gyroscope maintaining its orientation.
Thus, gyroscopes are essential for navigation in spacecrafts, intercontinental ballistic missiles, satellites such as the Hubble Space Telescope, and other applications where stable and reliable guidance is crucial.