Article Posted on : - Sep 07, 2012

Northrop Grumman's LN-200S inertial measurement unit. Photo: Northrop Grumman Corp.

WOODLAND HILLS, CALIFORNIA (BNS): Northrop Grumman Corporation supplied the navigation and pointing aid for NASA's Curiosity Mars rover, which recently began a historic two-year exploration of Mars.

The LN-200S is a lightweight, fibre-optic inertial measurement unit (IMU) that will help guide the Mars rover as it investigates the viability of microbial life on the planet - now or in the past.

The LN-200S is a critical navigational element that senses acceleration and angular motion, providing data outputs used by vehicle control systems for guidance. Additionally, the LN-200S helps position the rover's antennae to relay photos and data to satellites.

Northrop Grumman supplies different models of the IMU to NASA for various programmes, including advanced research and development as well as the Sounding Rockets programme at the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

The Curiosity Mars rover carries the most advanced payload of scientific gear ever used on Mars' surface.

The rover is capable of traveling up to 200 meters (660 feet) per day and rolling over obstacles up to 65 centimeters (25 inches) high. Unlike earlier rovers, Curiosity is equipped to gather, process and distribute rock and soil samples to onboard test chambers.