Small Spacecraft Technology
SmallSat Precision Navigation With Low-Cost MEMS IMU Swarms
Project Introduction
Small satellite missions are characterized by tight constraints on cost, mass, power, and volume that make them unable to fly high performance inertial measurement units (IMUs) required for orbital missions demanding precise orientation and positioning. Instead, small satellite missions typically fly low-cost MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) IMUs. Unfortunately, the performance characteristics of these MEMS IMUs make them ineffectual in many spaceflight applications when employed in a single IMU system configuration. This study will create an “effective” tactical-grade IMU, thus allowing future small satellites to tackle
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Anticipated Benefits
This results of this project will create an “effective” tactical-grade IMU, allowing future small satellites to tackle more aggressive missions.
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Primary U.S. Work Locations and Key Partners
| Organizations Performing Work | Role | Type | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Johnson Space Center
(JSC)
|
Lead Organization | NASA Center | Houston, TX |
| Marquette University | Supporting Organization | Academic | |
| West Virginia University | Supporting Organization | Academic |
Primary U.S. Work Locations
-
California
-
Texas
-
Wisconsin
-
West Virginia
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Organizational Responsibility
Responsible Mission Directorate:
- Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD)
Lead Center / Facility:
- Johnson Space Center (JSC)
Responsible Program:
- Small Spacecraft Technology
Project Management
Project Duration
Start: Oct 2013
End: Apr 2016
Technology Maturity (TRL)
| Start: | 3 |
| Current: | 3 |
| Estimated End: | 5 |
Applied Research
Development
Demo & Test
Technology Areas
Primary:
- TA 5 Communications, Navigation, and Orbital Debris Tracking and Characterization Systems
- TA 5.4 Position, Navigation, and Timing
- TA 5.4.2 Onboard Auto Navigation and Maneuver
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