Inertial Guidance: A Complete Guide

Inertial Guidance is a navigation method that allows an object—such as a missile, aircraft, spacecraft, or even a robot—to determine its position and orientation without the need for external references like GPS, radar, or beacons. It relies on inertial sensors, such as gyroscopes and accelerometers, to measure changes in velocity and direction, which are then used to calculate the object’s position and trajectory.

What Type of FOG IMU Can Be Used for Space Applications?

Space-grade FOG IMUs require ultra-low bias drift (typically below 0.01 deg/h), exceptional precision with an angular random walk (ARW) below 0.01 deg/√h, shock tolerance up to 10,000g, and operating temperature ranges of -40°C to +70°C, with further customizations for specific needs.

The Ultimate Guide to Fiber Optic Gyroscopes (FOG)

A fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) is a precision sensor that measures rotation using the Sagnac effect, where light in coiled optical fibers detects changes in angular velocity. This non-mechanical gyroscope offers high stability and accuracy in challenging environments, making it ideal for applications like aerospace navigation, satellite attitude control, robotics, and autonomous vehicles.

Top 10 Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) Manufacturers in the World

The data in this guide comes from a combination of sources: interviews with industry experts, customer feedback, and extensive research into IMU technologies. Information was also sourced from official websites and detailed articles by industry journalists. This comprehensive approach ensures accuracy and reliability in the information provided.