Publication

Using a MEMS pendulum to measure the gravity gradient in orbit: a new concept for a miniaturized Earth sensor

Herbert Shea, Kaustav Ghose
2009
Conference paper
Abstract

We present the fabrication and test results of a novel inertial sensor for use onboard satellites, to obtain the Earth vector. Current state-of-the-art Earth sensors determine the Earth vector by imaging the Earth's horizon in the IR. This requires multiple optical heads on different faces of the satellite, with associated mounting and thermal considerations. The MEMS-based approach reported here is based on measuring the gravity gradient vector by measuring the gravity gradient torque on a 4 cm long Si-pendulum. This approach eliminates the need for multiple external access ports, allowing a compact sensor to be situated anywhere inside the spacecraft.

About this result
This page is automatically generated and may contain information that is not correct, complete, up-to-date, or relevant to your search query. The same applies to every other page on this website. Please make sure to verify the information with EPFL's official sources.

Graph Chatbot

Chat with Graph Search

Ask any question about EPFL courses, lectures, exercises, research, news, etc. or try the example questions below.

DISCLAIMER: The Graph Chatbot is not programmed to provide explicit or categorical answers to your questions. Rather, it transforms your questions into API requests that are distributed across the various IT services officially administered by EPFL. Its purpose is solely to collect and recommend relevant references to content that you can explore to help you answer your questions.