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).
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