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.