LR-450 Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU)

High Performance Space IMU

Introducing the LR-450 — the new standard for long-life and high-performance space missions, as an alternative to first-generation ring laser gyroscopes (RLG). Measuring just 341 cubic-inches, weighing under 10 pounds and requiring less than 15 watts of power, the LR-450 is well suited for mid-size satellite and deep space applications.

The LR-450 incorporates Northrop Grumman’s milli-HRG™ (mHRG™) Precision Space Gyroscope, which uses the same critical quartz components — high-Q resonator and inner electrode assembly — employed in Northrop Grumman’s proven hemispherical resonator gyroscope (HRG) technology. The HRG has achieved more than 70 million error-free hours in space missions.

A single LR-450 can take the place of two RLG IMUs, optimizing SWaP-C for a typical 15-year mission.

Learn More > LR-450 Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) - Datasheet

LR-450 Description

The mHRG™, known for its unmatched reliability in commercial, government and civil space missions, is inherently stable, with no wear-out mechanism, and has high tolerance to radiation effects.

LR-450 configurations include:

Three mHRGs™. The inertial instruments are arranged as an orthonormal set
Single integrated interface to power supply, communications bus, digital processor and control electronics
Optional – a fourth gyro
Optional – a set of three accelerometers

space gyroscope inertial measurement unit

LR-450 Applications

The LR-450 is ideally suited for pointing, stabilization and platform attitude control applications, including:

Deep space missions
Planetary missions
Orbital missions, including GEO, MEO and LEO at all inclinations

LR-450 Advantages

The LR-450 provides customers with a robust and high-reliability system.

Supports 1553, RS-422 and Ethernet protocols for easy integration into new and existing platforms
Stable, low-noise gyros with no wear-out mechanism
Inherent radiation hardness of mHRG™, along with spacehardened and high-reliability components
Designed for 15-year lifetime
Components proven in the HRG, with more than 70 million error-free hours of operation in space