Stable Tactical-Grade MEMS IMU for Spin-Stabilized Rockets, Phase I

An Integrated MEMS IMU is proposed that will operate effectively in a spinning rocket up to 7 revs/sec. The IMU contains three gyroscopes and nine accelerometers on the same chip. The instrument designs have the low cross-axis sensitivity that permit the orthogonal gyros to sense the relatively smaller pitch and yaw rates in the presence of the much larger rate about the spin axis. An algorithm is proposed to combine the signals from the instruments to co-operatively obtain spatial reference. A lab experiment is planned during Phase I that will use available equipment and MSSA IMUs to prove the concept.

This is a mature technology (TRL 7+) — the realistic path in is usually NASA's Technology Transfer Program: licensing an existing NASA patent, or a Space Act Agreement to use NASA facilities/expertise directly. NASA also runs a startup licensing program with no upfront fee for companies formed to commercialize a specific NASA technology.

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