Jointly developed by JPL and Hughes, this new gyroscope is lighter, cheaper, higher-performing and less complex than its conventional counterparts, while uniquely designed for continuous space operation.
Spacecraft require gyroscopes to maintain orientation in flight.
Gyroscopes determine changes in angular direction, traditionally by virtue of a rapidly spinning, heavy mass. Spinning mass gyroscopes, originally the gyroscopes of choice for space applications, require lubrication and eventually wear out. We look for changes in the vibration of a light piece of micro-machined silicon that has no moving parts. The exclusive use of silicon helps to reduce costs, since this durable material is now routinely used for computer chips and it is thus more easily fabricated than other materials. The new microgyroscope, including its control electronics, was created out of a technology cooperation agreement between HSC and JPL beginning in 1997.