Inertial systems in space vehicles

This paper discusses the use of inertial elements in space vehicles for attitude control and navigation. Some limitations of inertial systems in this environment are described and it is shown that inertia alone is not adequate for most space applications. However, the use of inertia to bridge the gaps between information from other sources can simplify the requirements for other sensors in the satellite, and also on the ground tracking equipment. This is illustrated by some examples and by discussion of space vehicle.