Developing the first
European IMU
for Space Navigation
Developing the first European IMU for Space Navigation
About EURISA
EURISA aims at developing the first European cost-effective and performant IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) based on fiber-optic gyroscopes and quartz accelerometers for future space missions.
EURISA involves four major actors of the European space ecosystem and research institutes: Airbus Defence & Space, ETH Zurich, DLR Bremen and Exail (formerly iXblue).
EURISA will contribute to European independence and sovereignty in space for future missions and exploration.
EURISA is a Horizon 2020 projects, funded for 3.5 years by the European Union (under grant agreement No 101004205).
What's an IMU?
An inertial measurement unit (IMU) is a device that combines input from several different sensors types in order to accurately output a movement.
It is composed of 3 Accelerometers measuring velocity and acceleration and 3 Gyroscopes measuring rotation and rotational rate
In space, IMUs are used on spacecrafts, space probes, landers, rover or satellites.
Project duration
January 2021 to
November 2025
Consortium
4 partners from
3 countries
Goal
A European IMU
for space
Press releases
Interactive EURISA IMU Exhibit Developed at DLR
DLR created an exhibit for students at its Bremen site, featuring a 3D-printed EURISA housing with a MEMS IMU and magnetometer. A single-board computer processes the data and displays a 3D model, helping demonstrate EURISA’s gyroscope functionality and boosting the project’s visibility.
EURISA: IMU Main Features & Architecture
The technical and environmental specifications, and the proposed architecture of the IMU EURISA were introduced at the 46th Rocky Mountain American Astronautical Society (AAS) GN&C Conference 2024. The latest technical results based on the breadboard were presented, including mechanical test and first electronic results.
Two last sub-systems to build the flat IMU have arrived to Exail for tests and integration
The electronic cards arrived from ETH Zürich. They will operate the IMU accelerometers. The sensors are also ready. They have a specific design based on Exail fiber-optics gyroscopes and accelerometers. Dedicated shock absorbers have been Added to withstands the most demanding space missions including entry, descent and landing on planets.
The assembly is ongoing, and it will be followed by the first functional and environmental tests.
Upcoming events
AAS GN&C Conference 2026
“EURISA: a European, compact, space-qualified IMU for Scientific and Commercial Applications” will be the topic of a talk at the 48th Rocky Mountain American Astronautical Society (AAS) GN&C Conference 2026.
