A consortium financed by the European Union has announced the development of new sensors to enhance satellite navigation and enhance the capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles. The Inphomir project aims to create two energy-efficient sensors: an optical gyroscope and a specialized lidar, with the goal of increasing the effectiveness of space missions while reducing costs. The project, with a budget of around 5 million euros ($5.38 million), is being funded through the European Union’s Horizon Europe program, which supports research and innovation.
The development of these new sensors is intended to address the challenges faced by current satellite navigation systems in adverse conditions such as low visibility, fog, or dust. Inaccuracies in measurements can lead to significant deviations in satellite trajectory and positioning, resulting in substantial financial losses for operators.
The Inphomir project is utilizing Fosfide India as the foundation for the sensors, a material that has demonstrated positive outcomes in improving efficiency and reducing the size and weight of photonics integrated circuits. These microchips use light to transmit and process information, and the developers believe the technology can be applied not only in the space industry but also in sensors for unmanned aerial vehicles and autonomous vehicles.
The coordinator of the Inphomir project, Daniele Paraferry, emphasizes that the sensory technologies being developed are focused on enhancing satellite positioning accuracy, improving navigation for interplanetary missions, and ensuring the success of space exploration endeavors. This development comes at a time when the number of satellites in orbit is increasing due to the rising demand for satellite communication, navigation, and data collection services, which in turn complicates navigation.
Furthermore, the presence of space debris, such as discarded rocket stages, defunct satellites, and other objects, poses a threat to operational satellites. The new InPhomir sensors are expected to address these challenges by improving the functionality of space systems and enabling more sophisticated space missions in the future.