Final answer:
Radio waves, with wavelengths longer than about 0.1 m, are used for aircraft navigation, including radar systems that monitor aircraft positioning and ensure safe air traffic control.
Step-by-step explanation:
The constituent radiation of the electromagnetic spectrum used for aircraft navigation is radio waves. These waves are integral for aviation communication systems, including radar, which is used to detect and track the position and speed of aircraft. With wavelengths longer than about 0.1 m, radio waves are well-suited for this purpose because of their ability to cover great distances and penetrate through atmospheric conditions without significant signal loss. Radio frequency technology enables air traffic control to maintain the orderly flow of aircraft in the sky, ensuring safe navigation and precise coordination among pilots and ground stations.
Specifically, particular frequency bands within the radio waves spectrum are allocated for navigational purposes. For instance, the C-band radar, as illustrated in Figure 24.2 from the Kennedy Space Center, utilizes part of the radio waves spectrum to track launch vehicles with high-definition imagery. This technology is crucial not only for military and civilian navigation but also plays a vital role in space exploration.