Silicon Sensing Systems’ DMU30 high performance inertial measurement unit (IMU) has spent four years continually performing within the control system of Japan’s first X-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) small satellite.
On board the satellite from the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS) of Fukuoka, Japan, the DMU30 commences operation immediately after separation from the launch rocket and continues throughout each mission.
The IMU works with other systems to monitor and control angular velocity and attitude angle, and to assess and correct any rocking motion that occurs as key structures, such as the large antenna, are deployed.
The iQPS satellite is a 1m resolution, high-performance, X-band SAR-satellite weighing only 100Kg. These are deployed in a group of 36, offering earth observation data to support tasks such as disaster management, as well as land and infrastructure surveying.
The highly successful DMU30 silicon MEMS IMU is the predecessor to Silicon Sensing Systems’ latest generation IMU, the DMU41.
In 2020, Masahiko Uetsuhara, Project Manager at iQPS, explained, “Normally a gyro sensor’s output will include errors that appear over time and with severe temperature change and we would need to calibrate for that, but with the DMU30 that calibration is not required.
“This reduces man-hours and improves work efficiency, both very important factors for us. This product is also technically reliable, has been proved in satellite projects, is ITAR free – and the price was attractive for this level of performance.”
David Somerville, General Manager at Silicon Sensing, commented, “In this environment our MEMS technology offers key advantages over traditional high-performance inertial options such as fibre optic and ring laser gyro devices.
“This IMU can match the performance of a FOG unit but in a much more compact and rugged unit, ideal for severely space and weight limited platforms such as the iQPS satellite – and for prolonged operations in extreme environments.”
