Celestaire
Navigate by
the stars.
From the ocean horizon
to the view from the space station.
Sextants and celestial navigation equipment from an American specialist. Discover the Astra range – and the story of a sextant tested in space.
From Wichita.
With the stars as a guide.
Celestaire began in Wichita, Kansas, in 1972, selling government-surplus aircraft sextants. Marine sextants followed, along with a growing selection of specialist navigation equipment.
In the heart of the United States, the company built its expertise on experience in both air and marine navigation. Celestial navigation became its speciality: finding a position using celestial bodies, a precise instrument and practical knowledge.
At Kart.no you will find six Astra sextant variants, from the IIIB Deluxe to the Professional Commercial Edition, alongside optics, replacement mirrors and equipment for practice and observation.
Three ranges.
Six ways to the horizon.
Choose a range to suit your needs, then select a mirror type. All six sextants are shown with current prices and availability. Open each product for details of optics, delivery and included equipment.
Astra IIIB Deluxe
A practical starting point for a metal sextant for courses, practice and ocean sailing. Choose a whole or split horizon mirror.
Astra III Professional
The Professional range combines an aluminium frame with a bronze arc. A precise instrument for developing your celestial navigation skills.
Professional
Commercial Edition
An option for professional use, teaching and intensive practice. See each variant for its telescope, mirror type and included equipment.
A marine instrument.
A new horizon.
In 2018, a Celestaire Astra III Professional was used in a navigation experiment aboard the International Space Station. The instrument was fitted with a 7×35 prism telescope.
Researchers investigated how crew members could take stable angular measurements in microgravity. Observations were made from the Cupola module to support the development of manual emergency navigation methods for future crewed space missions.
It is a fascinating extension of the principle behind celestial navigation at sea: using familiar celestial bodies to find your way.
Whole Horizon or Split Horizon?
Whole Horizon
A semi-transparent mirror allows the celestial body and the horizon to overlap across the field of view. Many learners find it easier to bring the two images together.
Split Horizon
The traditional design has a reflective section and a clear section. You see the horizon directly through the clear part and the celestial body in the mirrored part.
Choose to suit the way you work
Both designs are used for celestial navigation. The choice depends on experience, observing conditions and personal preference. Ask us for advice before deciding.
Optics, practice
and maintenance.
Adapt your observations with telescopes and sight tubes, practise with an artificial horizon and keep your instrument in good condition. Check compatibility with your sextant on the product page.
Telescopes and sight tubes
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Celestaire 7×35 Prism Telescope – high-precision binoculars for sextant
442,46 € Add to cart -
Made to order
Celestaire 3.5×40 Telescope – telescope for sextant
196,34 € Add to cart -
In stock
Universal Sight Tube for Sextant – sight tube for sextant
61,07 € Add to cart -
Low stock
Astra IIIB Sight Tube (Clear Tube) – Sight tube for sextant
45,17 € Add to cart
Artificial horizon, replacement mirrors and oil
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Low stock
Practice Bubble Horizon – Artificial Horizon for Sextant Navigation
134,42 € Add to cart -
Low stock
Celestaire Extra Whole Horizon Mirror – spare mirror for Astra sextant
146,56 € Add to cart -
Low stock
Celestaire Extra Split Horizon Mirror – spare mirror for Astra sextant
146,56 € Add to cart -
In stock
Sextant oil
18,36 € Add to cart
From star charts
to astrolabes.
Explore more of celestial navigation with star charts, analogue aids and historical instrument designs.
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In stock
Celestaire Laminated Honest Star Chart – star chart
47,94 € Add to cart -
In stock
Sight Solver HO-229 – analog aid for astronomical navigation
26,81 € Add to cart -
In stock
Sight Solver Nautical Almanac – analog aid for astronomical navigation
26,81 € Add to cart -
Low stock
Planispheric Astrolabe – historical astronomical navigation instrument
84,11 € Add to cart -
In stock
Mariner’s Astrolabe – historic navigation instrument for solar and stellar observations
76,43 € Add to cart
Good to know before you choose.
Is Celestaire an American company?
Yes. Celestaire is an American navigation specialist with roots in Wichita, Kansas, and a history beginning in 1972.
Which Celestaire sextant was tested on the ISS?
An Astra III Professional with a 7×35 prism telescope was used in the 2018 experiment. The tests investigated manual angular measurements in microgravity as a basis for potential emergency navigation methods.
What do I need in addition to a sextant?
You need reliable time, a nautical almanac and a method for reducing and plotting your sights. Knowledge and practice are essential too. Our celestial navigation page also includes books and sight reduction tables.
Can you supply several instruments for schools and courses?
Yes. Contact Kart.no for advice on sextants and accessories and a quotation for your course or teaching programme.
Ready to find your own position?
We can help you choose a sextant and accessories. You can also explore our full celestial navigation range, including more brands, books and sight reduction tables.