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Robotic missions to Earth’s moon present significant challenges, but navigating the moons of Mars demands even greater precision and technological expertise. Silicon Sensing Programs Ltd. The company has been contracted by the German Aerospace Centre to supply two miniature PinPoint gyros that will be utilised within the scope of the Martian Moons Exploration mission. The primary objective is to deploy robotic explorers to the Martian moons, Deimos and Phobos, in order to conduct thorough surveys of these celestial bodies. 

The German Aerospace Centre (DLR) has selected its CRM200 technology to power the vehicle designed to capture a high-resolution image of Phobos, the larger moon orbiting Mars. There, this rover will collect and store floor samples for further analysis. The PinPoint gyro sensor suite enables accurate detection and mitigation of unforeseen rover movement on uncharted terrain.

Following a thorough initial inspection of the drivetrain incorporating gyroscopes, the team will initiate activation of the optional safety feature within the software. This module ensures mechanical stability during prolonged driving periods for the rover.

“Silicon Sensing Systems’ CEO, David Sommerville, highlights PinPoint’s significant milestone in area operations, underscoring the critical importance of the gyro’s reliability and durability on this groundbreaking mission.” 

In 1999, Silicon Sensing Systems’ engineers designed and developed gyroscopes and inertial navigation systems. Jointly owned by Collins Aerospace and Sumitomo Precision Products, the company specializes in developing cutting-edge silicon and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS)-based navigation and stabilization technology. 

Silicon Sensing reveals that its miniature electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) gyroscopes and accelerometers have been installed in tens of thousands of devices, benefitting a multitude of consumers worldwide.

Silicon Sensing Systems Ltd. has developed high-performance gyroscopes that are compact and robust in design, suitable for a wide range of applications including aerospace, automotive, and industrial markets.

The silicon-based gyroscope in Silicon Sensing’s MEMS product family measures just approximately 0.2 inches by 0.1 inch, roughly equivalent to a fingernail at 5mm x 6mm in size. This industry-proven, low-drift, single-axis angular-rate sensor offers a wide range of applications across diverse market sectors, including.

Together, these robust instruments can precisely measure angular degrees across multiple axes. Consisting of a blend of pitch, yaw, and roll, this technology from Silicon Sensing utilises minimal energy consumption.

To meet the stringent requirements of this exploration program’s rigorous selection process, PinPoint successfully completed comprehensive total ionizing dose (TID) testing at a radiation level of 17 kRad, as well as proton checks reaching energies up to 68 MeV per proton. The test results showed that the gyro’s performance was well-suited for meeting its essential requirements.

“As we continue to experience growing demand in the space sector, our latest tactical-grade inertial measurement unit, the DMU41, is gaining popularity for its versatility and reliability in low-Earth orbit applications.” “This burgeoning interest in MEMS-based inertial sensors and applications highlights the value proposition of this technology, characterized by rugged reliability, compact measurement capabilities, and low energy consumption, making it an attractive option for various industry sectors.”

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The NASA mission to explore Mars’ moons will soon begin preparations.

Japan’s space agency, JAXA, leads the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission. Wouldn’t the ExoMars mission, a collaborative effort between NASA, ESA, CNES, and DLR, reveal the presence of two Martian moons? The French national space agency, CNES, and Germany’s leading research centre for aerospace, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), are jointly developing a 25-kilogram (55.1-pound) rover. 

Approximately twelve months following departure from Earth, the spacecraft is expected to reach Martian space and establish a stable orbit around the planet. The spacecraft would subsequently transition into a quasi-satellite orbit (QSO) around Phobos to acquire scientific data, deploy the rover, and map the moon’s surface.

After collecting the fabric samples from Phobos, the spacecraft will return to Earth.

The current plan envisions a launch in 2026, with a subsequent Martian orbital insertion scheduled for 2027. The workforce expressed hope that the probe will successfully land on Earth by 2031.