Frequently Asked Questions

Main Product Lines:

• Precision Navigation Module (PNM): Centimeter-accuracy positioning in GPS-denied environments
• Neural Motion Controller (NMC): AI-driven autonomous guidance and control
• Autonomous Landing Control System (ALCS): Hazard detection and avoidance for planetary landings
• Orbital Transfer Optimization (OTO): Fuel-efficient trajectory planning and execution
• Sensor Fusion Platform (SFP): Multi-sensor integration and state estimation

Our systems integrate with:

• Optical: Star trackers, terrain cameras, landmark recognition
• Radar: Doppler velocity, terrain-relative navigation, rendezvous radar
• Lidar: Flash lidar, scanning lidar, hazard detection sensors
• IMU: Fiber optic gyros, MEMS accelerometers, ring laser gyros
• RF: Beacons, transponders, communication-based navigation
• GNSS: GPS, Galileo, GLONASS (when available)

Precision Navigation Module (PNM):

• Position accuracy: 10-50cm (3σ)
• Velocity accuracy: 1-5 cm/s (3σ)
• Attitude accuracy: 0.01-0.05° (3σ)
• Update rate: 10-100 Hz

Neural Motion Controller (NMC):

• Control loop frequency: up to 1 kHz
• Latency: <5ms end-to-end
• Fuel efficiency improvement: 15-40% vs. traditional methods
• Autonomy level: up to full autonomous operation

LMCU software runs on:

• Rad-hard processors: BAE RAD750, RAD5545, Microchip SAMRH71
• COTS space-qualified: Xilinx Zynq, Intel FPGAs with radiation mitigation
• AI accelerators: Custom neural network processors for on-board inference
• Software environments: VxWorks, Linux (Yocto), bare-metal RTOS

We also provide reference hardware designs for customers requiring turnkey solutions.

Our systems are designed for the space radiation environment through:

• Radiation-hardened processors: TID tolerance >100 krad, SEU/SEFI mitigation
• Software fault tolerance: Triple modular redundancy, error detection/correction
• Watchdog systems: Multi-level health monitoring and autonomous recovery
• Shielding recommendations: Optimized for mission radiation budget

Systems have been successfully operated in Jupiter's radiation belt (Europa Clipper) and solar particle event conditions.

Typical system requirements:

• Power: 5-25W depending on configuration and processing load
• Mass: 2-8 kg for full navigation computer + sensors (sensor mass varies)
• Volume: 6U-12U form factor for electronics
• Thermal: Passive cooling for most applications, active if >15W in constrained environments

Exact specifications depend on mission requirements and selected configuration. Contact our engineering team for detailed sizing.

Integration timeline depends on mission complexity:

• Concept/Feasibility Study: 1-2 months
• Preliminary Design: 2-3 months
• Critical Design Review: 3-4 months
• Implementation & Testing: 4-6 months
• Mission Validation: 2-3 months

Total typical duration: 6-9 months for standard missions, 12-18 months for highly complex or crewed missions.

1. Requirements Definition: Mission analysis, performance requirements, interface specifications
2. System Design: Architecture selection, sensor configuration, compute platform sizing
3. Software Development: Algorithm customization, flight software integration, AI model training
4. Hardware Integration: Electronics installation, sensor mounting, harness design
5. Testing & Validation: Hardware-in-the-loop, Monte Carlo analysis, environmental testing
6. Mission Support: Launch readiness, commissioning, in-flight operations support

Yes, comprehensive testing services include:

• Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL): Closed-loop testing with spacecraft simulator
• Monte Carlo Analysis: 10,000+ trajectory simulations for statistical validation
• Environmental Testing: Thermal vacuum, vibration, EMI/EMC at our facilities or customer sites
• Optical Navigation Testing: Lunar/planetary terrain simulation lab at White Sands
• Flight Readiness Reviews: Participation in all mission reviews (PDR, CDR, FRR)

Standard delivery includes:

• System Architecture Document
• Interface Control Documents (ICDs)
• Software Design Documents
• Test Plans and Reports
• User Manuals and Operations Guides
• Safety and Fault Management Documentation
• As-Built Configuration Baseline
• Source code (if specified in contract)

Yes, we have extensive experience integrating with:

• Commercial buses: Boeing 702, Airbus Eurostar, SSL 1300, Maxar 1300
• NASA platforms: Orion, SLS, Gateway modules
• SmallSat/CubeSat: Blue Canyon, Spaceflight Inc., AAC Clyde Space
• Lander platforms: Astrobotic Peregrine, Intuitive Machines Nova-C, ispace Hakuto-R

We support standard interfaces including MIL-STD-1553, SpaceWire, CAN, Ethernet, and custom protocols.

We offer flexible pricing models:

• Fixed-Price Development: For well-defined missions with clear requirements
• Cost-Plus: For R&D programs or missions with evolving requirements
• License + Integration Fee: Software license plus integration services
• Per-Mission Licensing: Lower upfront cost, per-flight fee structure
• Multi-Mission Volume Discounts: Significant savings for constellation operators

Contact [email protected] for a custom quote.

Project costs vary significantly based on scope:

• SmallSat/CubeSat missions: $200K - $800K
• Commercial satellite missions: $1M - $5M
• Lunar lander missions: $3M - $12M
• Crewed missions (human-rated): $10M - $25M
• Deep space/interplanetary: $5M - $20M

These are guideline ranges. Actual pricing depends on customization level, redundancy requirements, testing scope, and schedule.

Yes, flexible payment options include:

• Milestone-Based Payments: Aligned with project phases (PDR, CDR, delivery, etc.)
• Deferred Payment: Reduced upfront cost with payment after mission success
• Revenue Sharing: For commercial operators, shared mission revenue model
• Lease-to-Own: Rental model with option to purchase

We work with aerospace finance partners and can facilitate third-party financing arrangements.

Standard Warranty:

• 12-month warranty on hardware from delivery
• Software defect corrections for mission duration + 6 months
• Launch campaign support (up to 30 days on-site)

Extended Support Options:

• 24/7 Mission Operations Support (real-time anomaly resolution)
• Software updates and enhancements
• Multi-year extended warranty programs
• Training for customer engineering teams
• Dedicated support engineer assignment

Yes, we serve customers worldwide, subject to export control regulations.

Export Compliance: LMCU technology may be subject to ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) or EAR (Export Administration Regulations). We have established processes for:

• Technical Assistance Agreements (TAA)
• Export licenses and authorizations
• Technology Transfer Control Plans

We work closely with U.S. State Department and Commerce Department to facilitate international partnerships. Contact [email protected] for guidance.

Support Channels:

• Customer Portal: LMCU Login Portal - Submit tickets, access documentation
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +1 (281) 555-LMCU (5:00 AM - 8:00 PM CST, Mon-Fri)
• Emergency Hotline: +1 (281) 555-0247 (24/7 for mission-critical issues)

Response Times:

• Critical (mission-impacting): <2 hours
• High priority: <8 hours
• Normal: <24 hours

Yes, comprehensive training programs available:

• System Overview Training: 2-day introduction to LMCU architecture
• Operations Training: 3-5 days hands-on with flight software and interfaces
• Advanced Topics: AI model tuning, sensor calibration, fault management
• Mission-Specific: Customized training for your mission profile

Training available on-site at customer facility, at LMCU Houston headquarters, or remotely via webinar. See our Training & Academy page for schedule and enrollment.

Yes, we provide publicly available resources:

• Product Datasheets: Available on Technology page
• Whitepapers: Technical papers on navigation algorithms - Resources
• Case Studies: Mission success stories - Case Studies
• Webinars: Recorded technical presentations

For detailed interface specifications and design documents, an NDA and preliminary engagement is required. Contact [email protected]

LMCU specializes in mission-tailored solutions. Our development process includes:

• Requirements Analysis: Understanding your unique mission needs
• Feasibility Assessment: Technical evaluation and risk analysis
• Custom Development: Algorithm development, software implementation, testing
• Validation: Verification against your mission scenarios

Custom features are typically scoped as part of the integration project. Development costs and timelines depend on complexity.

LMCU Customer Portal provides:

• Technical documentation library
• Software downloads and updates
• Support ticket submission and tracking
• Training materials and videos
• Mission data analytics dashboard

Access is provided to all customers with active contracts. Login here or contact support for account activation.

User Community: We host an annual LMCU Users Conference where customers share experiences and best practices. Virtual user group meetings held quarterly.