This course introduces the sensors onboard Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and how they integrate with platform subsystems, including the accelerometer, Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), and GPS. These core sensors are critical to UAS flight and navigation, but they're just the starting point: a wide variety of sensors are available for UAS payloads, each opening up new applications worth exploring in greater detail.
UAS/Drone Technology: Sensors and Payloads
UAS/Drone Technology: Sensors and Payloads
Instructor: Matthew Balazs
Access provided by Texas State University
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level
Recommended experience
3 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Define a payload and its relationship to a UAS platform, and differentiate between common types of UAS payloads.
Describe how sensors work with the electromagnetic spectrum, and differentiate between active and passive sensors.
List key considerations for sensor and payload selection, and explain how mission goals shape integration choices
Skills you'll gain
Tools you'll learn
Details to know
Shareable certificate
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Assessments
15 assignments
Taught in English
Recently updated!
September 2026
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There are 7 modules in this course
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