Seeing the light in satellite and drone navigation
Two new laser sensors are coming that will help satellites navigate more precisely and drones fly for longer in areas with zero visibility. Developed as part of the EU-funded INPHOMIR project, the sensors have the potential to make European space missions more efficient and cost-effective. Current sensors used in space navigation and autonomous systems lack precision when there is low visibility, leading to major – and very costly – errors in trajectory and positioning. They also consume a lot of power, draining batteries and limiting the operational time of satellites and drones. Enter INPHOMIR’s two ultra-low-power compact sensors: an optical gyroscope, and a mid-infrared frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) device. The two sensors will enable satellites to fly with great precision and drones to fly farther for longer, boosting Europe’s capabilities in space navigation, autonomous systems and earth monitoring. “As we aim to explore space much deeper while conducting more complex missions, the need for precise, reliable, and efficient sensors is now more critical than ever,” states senior scientist Daniele Palaferri of INPHOMIR project coordinator GEM elettronica, Italy, in a recent press release. “The advanced sensing technologies we are developing will hopefully enhance the accuracy of satellite positioning, improve navigation for interplanetary missions, and ensure the success of space exploration.”
About the sensors
The optical gyroscope is a super-smart balancing tool that helps satellites and drones navigate with precision and stay on course. It uses laser light to measure the speed and direction of something spinning. There are beams of light spinning inside the gyroscope, so when the device moves or turns, the path of the spinning light changes slightly. This change is what the sensor detects in order to calculate the exact movement and direction. The mid-infrared FMCW LiDAR resembles radar technology, only that laser light is used instead of sound to create 3D maps of the environment. Palaferri likens the sensor to a bat’s echolocation system, explaining that the LiDAR emits a continuous laser beam that changes its frequency over time. This allows distances to be measured extremely accurately, even for moving objects. Mid-infrared light is being used for the sensors because of its ability to penetrate dust, fog and other things that usually block normal light. “For drones and self-driving cars, this lidar helps them ‘see’ their surroundings in incredible detail, even in bad weather or at night, allowing safer and more reliable operation. In space missions, this technology can help satellites and rovers navigate and map out unknown terrains with precision,” the scientist explains. INPHOMIR is building its sensors onto indium phosphide, a material that makes it possible to fit a lot of computing power onto thumbnail-sized chips called photonic integrated circuits (PICs). This reduces size, weight and power consumption. “Our pioneering advancements in PIC-based hardware technology promise to revolutionise the supply chain management (SCM) processes of EU companies. With our own supply of PICs, Europe can innovate faster and create new technologies, keeping us at the forefront of technological advancements,” remarks Palaferri. He further comments on the INPHOMIR (INdium PHOsphide-based advanced Monolithically integrated photonic building-blocks at near and mid-InfraRed wavelengths) project’s impact: “The project’s success will mark a significant milestone in photonic sensing technology, offering a competitive edge to European industries, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to technological excellence.” For more information, please see: INPHOMIR project website
Keywords
INPHOMIR, laser sensor, space, satellite, drone, photonic integrated circuit, mid-infrared, indium phosphide, frequency modulated continuous wave, light detection and ranging