A gyroscope navigation system developed by an Irish company is to be launched into space as part of a mission to test and prepare planetary defences against incoming asteroids.
Innalabs, which is based in Blanchardstown, Dublin, designed and manufactured the ARIETIS-NS gyroscope navigation system for the European Space Agency Ramses mission.
The Ramses spacecraft will rendezvous with asteroid 99942 Apophis, accompanying it during its extraordinarily close yet safe flyby of Earth in 2029.
The encounter with provide scientists with a rare opportunity to study how Earth's gravity alters the asteroid's physical characteristics, enhancing our ability to respond to potential future threats.
Scheduled for launch in April 2028, Ramses aims to arrive at Apophis in February 2029, just two months before the asteroid’s closest approach to Earth.
In October 2024, Innalabs' ARIETIS-NS gyroscope navigation system was launched on the ESA’s Hera mission.
The objective of the 'HERA' mission was to monitor the after-effects of altering the trajectory of asteroids through kinetic impact.
"I am thrilled to lead our dynamic Irish company that is paving the way for a remarkable legacy in Irish space heritage," said John O'Leary, CEO of Innalabs.
"Through relentless innovation and the exceptional talent of our team, Innalabs has developed navigation sensors and systems that have logged over five million hours in space," he added.
