Innovative, Low Cost, Plug-and-Play Intertial Measurement System

For this Phase I SBIR, Microcosm proposes to coordinate with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Space Plug-and-play Avionics (SPA) working groups to develop a breadboard Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) interface that meets the latest SPA interface standards. In addition, Microcosm will study implementations for other plug-and-play GN&C components. Today's spacecraft components come with a variety of electrical interfaces and non-standard data interfaces. Changing the IMU on a spacecraft usually requires custom changes to the flight software. Plug-and-play spacecraft components offer the flexibility and simplified integration that will be required to realize a 6-day spacecraft. With a standard interface, spacecraft components will be interchangeable and can be selected specifically to meet mission needs. The AFRL is coordinating SPA working groups to define a plug-and-play standard. The final result of this Phase I SBIR effort will be a breadboard plug-and-play IMU unit based on a Microelectromechanical (MEMS) device that meets those standards. In the Phase II SBIR effort, Microcosm will apply the same underlying technology to build other plug-and-play GN&C components, such as magnetic torquer drive electronics and star sensors. In a related Phase II SBIR, Microcosm built a breadboard GN&C system to internally defined plug-and-play standards.