Low Cost Satellite Inertial Measurement System (LCSIM)

Satellite Inertial Measurement (LCSIM) sensor suite which incorporates a grouping of sensors that are capable of both short-term lockdown of the inherently quick moving objects, as well as long term positional and angular update capability to maintain zero drift orientation control. In order to allow cost effective quick turn satellites for a variety of missions, there is a need for a miniature, low cost, low power, and extremely capable inertial measurement unit. Recent advancements in MEMS sensors, GPS sensors and imaging sensors allow such a unit to be constructed using Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) components. By optimizing the synergy between the sensors, the strengths of each sensor can be used to enhance the overall suite, compensating for sensor weaknesses. The result is a high speed, quick lock down, ultra high accuracy suite made up of a large number of miniature sensors rather than a few ultra high accuracy (and high cost) ones. With the miniature high accuracy system small satellites could be used, in place of some sensor suites now capable of flying only on larger attitude controlled busses.