Inertial Measurement Unit
In aerospace engineering, an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) is a device that measures and reports a spacecraft's velocity, orientation, and gravitational forces, using a combination of accelerometers and gyroscopes, sometimes also magnetometers. IMUs are typically used to maneuver aircraft, including UAVs, among many others, and spacecraft, including satellites and landers. Changes in orientation and position over time are calculated by a computer applying algorithms to the data from the IMU. The advantage of an IMU is that it requires no external references in order to provide continuous information about the vehicle's position, orientation, and velocity. The IMU enables the spacecraft to maintain its equilibrium and know its orientation in space. It is a critical component of the navigation systems of spacecraft and aircraft, providing data for systems such as the autopilot, stability augmentation system (SAS) and flight control system (FCS).
Your Previous Searches
Random Picks
- Meteorological Visibility: In the context of aerospace engineering, meteorological visibility refers to the measure of the distance at which an object or light can be clearly discerned. It is a critical factor in aviation safety, particularly during takeoff and landi ... Read More >>
- Microwave Plasma Thrusters: Microwave Plasma Thrusters (MPTs) are a type of electric propulsion system that generate thrust by ionizing a propellant gas into a plasma state using microwaves. The plasma is then accelerated through a magnetic nozzle, producing thrust. M ... Read More >>
- Cleanroom Classification: Cleanroom Classification is a system used to classify the cleanliness level of a cleanroom based on the number and size of particles per volume of air. The classification system is based on the ISO 14644-1 standard, which defines the maximu ... Read More >>
Top News
Check out this interactive map of the early universe, considered largest ever cr...
A team of astronomers have put together the largest, most detailed map of the universe ever created – and you can explore it now....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-12
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory is about to totally transform astronomy...
With the ability to scan the entire southern night sky every three days, the huge Vera C. Rubin Observatory could be about to start solving the mysteries of the universe, from dark matter to Planet Ni...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-12
Trump's proposed science cuts will have huge consequences...
The universe will still be there to marvel at, despite brutal cuts set to hit NASA and the National Science Foundation's budgets. But the damage to future research will be long-lasting, says Chanda Pr...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-11
Starlink satellites are leaking radio signals that may ruin astronomy...
Our ability to study faint radio signals from when the first stars began to form is being threatened by SpaceX's Starlink satellites, which seem to be unintentionally leaking radio signals that overpo...
News Source: New Scientist on 2025-06-09
Asteroids around Venus pose possible 'invisible threat' to Earth: Should you be ...
A swarm of large asteroids likely lurking around Venus could one day pose an "invisible threat" to Earth if left unchecked, astronomers have warned....
News Source: USA Today on 2025-06-06