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Completed TRL 4 (started at 4, targeting 6)
The High-Precision Continuous-Time PNT Compact Module for the LunaNet Small Spacecraft demonstration will assess the performance of this optomechanical accelerometer under real flight conditions. Accelerometers are motion and rotation sensors that are essential in inertial navigation systems to calculate the location, orientation, and velocity of a spacecraft. Developed in support of the LunaNet positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) system, this high-precision, chip-scale optomechanical accelerometer improves upon the performance of existing technologies and precisely determines the position of a space vehicle without needing external signals.
Problem Statement Inertial navigation systems (INSs) are important to space exploration as they can calculate the location, orientation, and velocity of a moving object such as a spacecraft. INS devices typically use accelerometers, which are motion and rotation sensors, to communicate with a computer and translate the data into actionable controls. UCLA’s optomechanical accelerometer precisely determines the position of a space vehicle without needing external signals. By operating with noise floor levels close to the thermomechanical theoretical limit, this accelerometer provides an order of magnitude performance increase over existing technologies. It also has internal optical feedback, meaning that there is no need for an electrical feedback loop. Finally, the small size of the optomechanical accelerometer allows for further integration and miniaturization of the navigation sensor assembly.
Technology Maturation Flight tests are expected to demonstrate the technology for the first time on a high-altitude balloon flight, providing the researchers with valuable data on its performance under real flight and environmental conditions. Additionally, the ability to follow a flight trajectory and the integration with the navigation algorithms is expected be assessed.
Summary of September 10, 2025 Flight Test
Without navigation systems such as GPS routinely used on Earth, spacecraft beyond low Earth orbit calculate their position, velocity, acceleration, and orientation state using inertial navigation systems, which include sensors called accelerometers. A new, miniature optomechanical accelerometer designed by UCLA researchers aims to precisely determine the position of a space vehicle without GPS signals. Its low-noise operation has the potential to provide a vast increase in performance and precision.
The September 10, 2025, high-altitude balloon flight operated by Aerostar of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, gave researchers the opportunity to determine whether their miniature accelerometer can obtain accurate position and orientation data during a suborbital flight, allowing them to evaluate its performance and adjust the design, if needed. Developed with support from the University SmallSat Technology Partnerships initiative, this technology has the potential to support NASA’s LunaNet architecture designed to rapidly expand network capabilities at the Moon as well as vehicles flying in cislunar space.
Read more about this high-precision accelerometer: https://techport.nasa.gov/projects/145005
A high-precision, chip-scale optomechanical accelerometer is essential for determining the position of a space vehicle without using external signals. This has the potential to benefit NASA missions, the commercial space industry, other government agencies, and the nation.
Future Customers
• Spacecraft, aircraft, and ship navigation
• Aerospace defense industry (smart ammunition)
• Smartphone location and tracking
• Health tracking
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