Completion of EURISA project: a major step towards a fully European space IMU

March 30, 2026

Exail announces the successful completion of the H2020 EURISA project, marking a decisive step forward for European sovereign space navigation capabilities. By leading the advancement of a fully European Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) concept, Exail validates its capability to deliver critical, ITAR-free navigation technologies for both institutional and rapidly growing commercial space missions.

Reliable inertial navigation systems are essential across a wide range of space applications, including planetary landing systems, orbital infrastructure, in-orbit servicing and next-generation exploration missions. In this context, the EURISA project aimed to establish a high-performance IMU architecture capable of meeting the requirements of both institutional and commercial missions, directly contributing to European independence and sovereignty in space for future missions.

Led by Exail in partnership with Airbus Defence and Space, ETH Zurich and the German Aerospace Center (DLR Bremen), the project resulted in the assembly and testing of a fully functional Engineering Model of a European space IMU. The compact unit integrates high-performance fiber-optic gyroscopes, quartz accelerometers and embedded electronics within a robust architecture designed for space environments.

Extensive environmental and performance testing conducted at Exail and DLR in 2025 validated the robustness of the Engineering Model. Qualification campaigns included thermal vacuum, shock and vibration tests representative of launch and space conditions.

The development builds on Exail’s existing space-qualified technologies, including the AstriX NS gyroscope, ensuring technological continuity and supporting the transition toward a future qualified product

“EURISA illustrates how European industry and research can jointly secure critical navigation technologies for the continent’s long-term space ambitions,” said Noémie Maury, Space Navigation Director at Exail. “By maturing a high-performance, ITAR-free IMU architecture, we are reinforcing Europe’s strategic autonomy while building the industrial capabilities required to support the next generation of institutional and commercial missions.”

Building on EURISA’s achievements, Exail will continue to advance its space inertial technologies to support Europe’s long-term ambitions in exploration and orbital infrastructure, contributing to resilient and sovereign space capabilities.

Photo courtesy Exail