Which component is essential in the configuration of INS for measuring changes in motion?

The accelerometer is a crucial component in the configuration of an Inertial Navigation System (INS) for measuring changes in motion. Accelerometers work by detecting changes in acceleration and providing data on how the vehicle is moving in three-dimensional space. This data is then integrated over time to compute the velocity and position of the aircraft.

In contrast, while the magnetometer provides information about the Earth's magnetic field and helps in determining the heading, it does not measure motion changes directly. A transponder, typically used for communication and identification, plays no role in measuring motion changes. A barometer, on the other hand, measures atmospheric pressure, which is useful for altitude information but does not provide direct measurements of motion. Thus, the accelerometer is the essential tool for motion detection in an INS configuration.