← Back to NASA Technology Projects
Completed TRL 5 (started at 3, targeting 5)
Small satellite missions are characterized by tight constraints on cost, mass, power, and volume that make them unable to fly high performance inertial measurement units (IMUs) required for orbital missions demanding precise orientation and positioning. Instead, small satellite missions typically fly low-cost MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical system) IMUs. Unfortunately, the performance characteristics of these MEMS IMUs make them ineffectual in many spaceflight applications when employed in a single IMU system configuration. This study will create an 'effective' tactical-grade IMU, thus allowing future small satellites to tackle
This results of this project will create an Effective tactical-grade IMU, allowing future small satellites to tackle more aggressive missions.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.