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Astrix NS
High-Precision New Space Gyroscope
20+
Years of expertise
100+
Units delivered
0
Failures or incidents
7,000,000
Hours of flight
Precision redefined for the New Space era with Astrix NS
The space industry is shifting toward high-frequency launches and rapid technological turnover, forcing satellite manufacturers to balance extreme reliability with drastic weight and power reductions.
Astrix NS is a compact Fiber-Optic Gyroscope (FOG) designed to bridge this gap. This reliable, flight-proven (TRL9) solution delivers high-end navigation precision for modern satellite configurations while meeting the strict constraints of contemporary New Space missions: reduced weight, minimal power consumption, and cost-efficiency, fitting seamlessly into tighter volume and budget allocations without compromising on performance.
At its core, Astrix NS is the "inner compass" of the satellite. By continuously measuring rotation with extreme accuracy, it provides the essential data needed to control the satellite's attitude and orientation in space. Whether it is ensuring a communication satellite points precisely toward Earth or keeping an imaging payload perfectly steady, this gyroscope delivers the constant, drift-free measurements required for critical orbital maneuvers.
Developed in close collaboration with Airbus Defence and Space, the Astrix series has established a benchmark for reliability in the most demanding orbital environments. By choosing Astrix NS, you benefit from a legacy of excellence condensed into an agile, high-volume package.
UNCOMPROMISING PERFORMANCE in orbit
At the heart of AstriX NS is Exail’s signature Fiber-Optic Gyroscope (FOG) technology, fully adapted and qualified for the space environment (TRL9). This solid-state technology offers decisive performance through low angular random walk and exceptional scale factor stability.
Key features
It offers an exceptionally clean signal, minimizing white noise and thus allowing for ultra-precise rotation measurements and consistent accuracy across the entire mission lifespan.
It ensures that the gyroscope’s measurements do not drift significantly over time. This constant reliability eliminates the need for complex and costly recalibrations during orbital operations.
Designed to remain stable under extreme conditions, the Astrix NS ensures uninterrupted data availability during high-stress phases such as launch vibrations or GNSS outages. Its quick start-up time allows for immediate "stop & go" operational flexibility.
Delivers high-precision attitude control and pointing stability, essential for high-bit-rate telecommunications and precision Earth observation.
Operates on minimal power consumption, maximizing the satellite’s remaining energy budget for payloads without degrading gyro performance.
Space-hardened reliability
- Radiation qualified: Proven performance in LEO and GEO environments.
- Mechanical & thermal resilience: Qualified for launch stresses and thermal vacuum conditions.
- Operational longevity: Designed for long-term stability throughout the satellite’s life.
Technical specifications
|
Astrix NS |
|
|---|---|
|
ARW (Standard) |
<0.005∘/h |
|
ARW (High Performance) |
<0.0025∘/h |
|
Bias Stability |
0.005∘/h (over 1h, steady temp) |
|
Measurement Range |
60∘/s qualified (higher on demand) |
|
Mass / Volume |
1.4 kg / 100×100×100 mm |
|
Power Consumption |
8W (BOL) |
|
Start-up Time |
<1 s for relevant data access |
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Unrivaled FOG precision for space
Unlike MEMS-based inertial sensors, which often struggle with long-term reliability, FOG technology provides:
Tailored for modern platforms
AstriX NS brings this elite FOG performance into a compact, integration-ready format. Designed specifically for modern satellite integration, it features an optimized SWaP profile, a compact mechanical footprint, and simplified electrical interfaces.
This architecture supports small satellites, medium-class platforms, and constellation deployments across LEO and GEO mission profiles.
Industrial excellence and compact design
In New Space programs, delivery timelines are as critical as technical specifications. AstriX NS is supported by a robust industrial framework to ensure your mission remains on track. It’s not just a sensor; it is a scalable industrial solution. We have re-engineered the renowned Astrix technology into a compact, plug-and-play format that fits seamlessly into the tight volume constraints of small satellites.
Our facilities are optimized for high-volume industrial output, capable of equipping entire constellations within tight delivery windows.
Optimized design and the use of qualified commercial components (COTS) ensure a competitive price point without sacrificing orbital longevity.
We have streamlined our supply chain to minimize risks and provide rapid hardware availability for aggressive launch windows. Designed for rapid integration, the Astrix NS is a "ready-to-fly" solution.
Manufactured in Europe, the Astrix NS is entirely ITAR-free, ensuring simplified export procedures and full strategic autonomy for international missions.
Versatile applictions for modern missions
Earth Observation
Delivering unrivaled pointing stability essential for high-resolution imaging
Telecommunications
Supporting high-bit-rate data transfer for LEO and GEO platforms.
Constellation Scaling
Compact and accurate equipment produced in volume for rapid orbital deployment.
Scientific Missions
Providing GNSS-independent stabilization and high-precision attitude control for complex orbital maneuvers.
FAQ
A fiber optic gyroscope (FOG) is a solid-state sensing instrument used to measure angular rotation with extreme precision. It operates by sending two laser beams in opposite directions through a long, wound optical fiber coil (bobine). Using the Sagnac effect, any rotation of the equipment causes a phase shift between the light waves. The integrated optic system processes this phase difference to deliver accurate real-time rate measurements without any mechanical moving parts.
In space environments, payload weight, operational lifespan and extreme thermal stability are critical. A fiber optic gyroscope like the Astrix-NS provides high reliability and long-term performance for satellite platforms. Its solid-state optics eliminate mechanical wear, while its lightweight fabrication and optimized power consumption make it an ideal attitude control sensor. It ensures ultra-precise pointing, low-noise angular measurement and continuous orbit navigation.
Unlike traditional mechanical or ring laser gyros, fiber optic systems contain no moving components or gas tubes, greatly reducing failure rates and maintenance requirements. The Astrix FOG technology uses a continuous-wave laser source coupled with high-grade optical fibres, offering superior shock resistance, faster start-up times, and a wider dynamic measurement range. This robust fabrication makes it a highly reliable navigation unit for critical space missions.
The nouvelle space market ("New Space") relies heavily on Exail technologies to support next-generation satellite constellations and exploration missions. Leading space agencies, defense primes and commercial satellite manufacturers choose Exail optical fiber equipment to secure precise navigation and station-keeping. The Astrix NS is flight-proven, supporting complex Earth observation, telecommunications, and deep-space projet architectures worldwide.
Integrating an Astrix NS gyroscope into a space system delivers unmatched pointing accuracy, exceptional bias stability, and high dynamic response from launch to extended operational lifetime. Its compact design simplifies payload integration, while its low power demand maximizes overall satellite efficiency. By providing reliable rotation rate sensing, it enables ultra-precise attitude determination and control for high-value space missions.
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