Northrop Grumman to Provide Fiber-Optic IMU for Lockheed Martin Satellite Bus

Artist rendition of the LM 300 satellite bus. Photo: Lockheed Martin

[Via Satellite 01-13-2016] Lockheed Martin has selected Northrop Grumman to supply its LN-200S fiber-optic Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) for the LM 300 satellite bus. The LN-200S is a small, lightweight navigational element that senses acceleration and angular motion, providing data outputs used by vehicle control systems for attitude control and guidance.

The LN-200S has successfully performed on many spacecraft, including NASA’s Curiosity, Spirit and Opportunity Mars rovers, as well as satellites in geosynchronous and low Earth orbits. The Coriolis spacecraft, built by Orbital ATK and launched in January 2003 with two LN-200S IMUs, continues to perform its mission in low Earth orbit. The primary IMU has far exceeded its life expectancy and requirements by providing continuous data since launch — avoiding the need to use the backup LN-200S IMU on the spacecraft.