Photonically-Integrated Rubidium Inertial Measurement Unit for Space (PRIMUS)

Precise knowledge of position and orientation is essential for modern aerospace and space exploration. Launch vehicles such as Falcon-9 reach their target destination using an inertial measurement unit (IMU) and GPS aiding. Space telescopes use gyroscopes to maintain precise pointing for long intervals, enabling high-resolution images of the Earth. Future missions will require even more precise guidance and navigation to meet mission objectives. The push toward smaller spacecrafts will also necessitate lowering the size, weight, and power, and cost (SWaP-C) of future devices. To address these challenges, Vector Atomic will design the Photonically-Integrated Rubidium Inertial Measurement Unit for Space (PRIMUS).