Applications of fiber optic gyroscopes in aerospace

Fiber optic gyroscopes have very wide and crucial applications in the aerospace field. As a fully solid-state, motion-free, and highly reliable inertial sensor, it perfectly meets the aerospace industry's requirements for long lifespan, high stability, and strong shock resistance, and has gradually replaced traditional mechanical gyroscopes.

The following are the main applications and advantages of fiber optic gyroscopes in the aerospace field:

1. Satellite Attitude Determination and Control System

Function: This is the most important and common application of fiber optic gyroscopes. It is used to accurately measure the angular velocity of the satellite in three axes (pitch, yaw, and roll).

Operating Modes:

Combined Use: Used in combination with star trackers, sun sensors, earth sensors, etc. The gyroscope provides high-bandwidth, continuous angular velocity data, while the optical sensors provide an absolute attitude reference to correct for gyroscope drift. This combination enables high-precision and high-reliability attitude determination.

Pure Inertial Mode: When the satellite enters the Earth's shadow or is temporarily unable to obtain starlight information, the fiber optic gyroscope system can independently provide short-term, high-precision attitude data to ensure satellite stability.

2. Inertial Navigation System of Launch Vehicles/Missiles

Function: During the launch and ascent phases, it provides the rocket with precise angular velocity and attitude information, and together with accelerometers, forms an inertial measurement unit used for guidance, navigation, and control.

Advantages: Fiber optic gyroscopes can withstand the enormous vibrations and shocks during rocket launch, have a fast startup time, and are highly reliable, ensuring the success of the launch mission.

3. Autonomous Navigation for Deep Space Probes and Spacecraft

Function: During long-duration deep space missions, probes need to autonomously determine their attitude and perform orbital maneuvers. Fiber optic gyroscope systems are one of the core components of autonomous navigation.

Advantages: Long lifetime and maintenance-free operation, making them ideal for deep space missions lasting several years or even decades.

4. Precise Attitude Determination of Earth Observation Satellites

Function: For high-resolution mapping satellites (such as the Gaofen series and Ziyuan series) and synthetic aperture radar satellites, platform stability is crucial. Fiber optic gyroscopes provide extremely high-precision angular velocity measurements, which, combined with the control system, achieve ultra-high pointing accuracy and stability, thus obtaining clear, unambiguous images.

Extended Applications: When combined with a precision turntable, it can be used for independent stabilization and pointing control of satellite payloads (such as cameras and telescopes).

5. Space Station and Spacecraft Docking

Function: In crewed space missions, the docking of a spacecraft with a space station requires extremely precise relative attitude control. Fiber optic gyroscopes provide high-update-rate, highly reliable attitude data for the docking navigation system, ensuring the safety of the docking process.