In inertial navigation (INS), a mission refers to a specific navigation task or operation that an INS-equipped system must complete. A mission involves tracking position, velocity, and orientation over time, often in GNSS-denied environments such as military operations, aerospace missions, and autonomous vehicle navigation.
Key Components of a Mission in INS
Initial Alignment – The INS system initializes and calibrates using known reference points.
Dead Reckoning Navigation – INS estimates movement using gyroscopes and accelerometers without external signals.
Sensor Fusion & Corrections – GNSS, LiDAR, or terrain-aided navigation (TAN) can improve accuracy.
Mission Completion & Data Analysis – The system records trajectory data for post-mission evaluation.
Applications of Missions in INS
✔ Military & Defense Operations – Used in missiles, submarines, and aircraft for precise targeting.
✔ Space & Aerospace Navigation – Ensures accurate positioning in satellites and space probes.
✔ Autonomous Vehicle Deployment – Supports self-driving cars, drones, and robotics.
Challenges in INS Missions
✔ INS Drift Over Time – Long missions require external corrections to minimize position errors.
✔ GNSS Denial Issues – INS must rely on terrain or visual navigation when GPS is unavailable.
