Next-gen satellite constellations from SSL will carry Northrop Grumman space navigation systems
NewsMarch 05, 2018
WOODLAND HILLS, Calif. Northrop Grumman Corp. has won a contract from space technology design/build firm Space Systems Loral (SSL) to supply its space navigation system for SSL's next-generation satellite constellation.
Northrop Grumman will deliver its Scalable Space Inertial Reference Unit (Scalable SIRU) to SSL, which will install the part in its spacecraft attitude control and sensor pointing/stabilization structure. The Scalable SIRU is built around Northrop Grumman’s patented hemispherical resonator gyro, which has been used in space without a mission failure for more than 40 million operating hours, according to Northrop Grumman officials. The Scalable SIRU has already been used in numerous space missions, including NASA’s MESSENGER mission to orbit Mercury and Cassini’s trip to Saturn.
“Our Scalable SIRU is very well-suited for commercial satellite applications,” said Dean Ebert, vice president, navigation and positioning systems, Northrop Grumman Mission Systems. “We are committed to offering our customers a variety of options to meet their specific mission needs through our versatile Scalable SIRU family of products.”
