Australia, February 3 2025 – Advanced Navigation, a world leader in navigation and autonomous systems, has received grant funding from the Australian Government through the Australian Space Agency. The Moon to Mars Initiative: Supply Chain Capability Improvement Grant will accelerate the development of a space-graded high-shock Inertial Navigation System (INS) to withstand the extreme conditions of a rocket launch.
The final system will support Australian launch services company, Gilmour Space Technologies, in the development and launch of their Eris Rockets and Elara Satellite platforms to Low Earth Orbits (LEO).
“In the vast emptiness of space, without external guides, rockets rely on a sophisticated suite of navigation, guidance, and control (GNC) systems. The onboard navigation system must withstand dynamic conditions, gravitational forces, and the intricate physics of orbital mechanics, while providing a reliable flight path. Put simply, the system must be indestructible.”shares Advanced Navigation CEO Chris Shaw.
“Our engineers are excited to continue their innovations in developing sensors for high-stakes environments. We look forward to supporting Gilmour Space in advancing Australian-made launch vehicles to help lower the cost of accessing space.”
Engineering Resilience: Surviving the Extreme Environments of a Rocket Launch
From lift-off to payload deployment, each stage of the rocket’s journey demands precision engineering and coordination. All electronic and fibre-optic hardware must be able to withstand massive shock, vibration, shifting gravity, payload impact and extreme temperature change.
They must be flawlessly integrated into the entire system, as a slight misalignment or miscommunication at any stage could be hazardous and result in a mission failure.
The onboard INS consists of a plethora of high-end sensors, including accelerometers and gyroscopes, sensitive enough to detect the smallest change in noise and vibration. To ensure accurate and reliable performance, these delicate components must be shielded from the extreme forces experienced during launch. One innovative solution is the integration of a high-shock enclosure—a protective barrier encircling the INS housing. This enclosure acts as a cushion between the system and the surrounding structure, absorbing and redistributing intense g-forces from engine ignitions and launch vibrations. By dampening these shocks, the enclosure prevents disruptive forces from reaching the sensors, preserving their precision in the harshest conditions.
“This partnership brings together two companies committed to growing Australia’s sovereign aerospace capabilities. We look forward to working with Advanced Navigation on future missions to enhance our launch and satellite systems for our global customers.”said Gilmour Space Deputy Chief Engineer, Kody Cook.
Simulating a Rocket Launch: Smash. Shake. Bake. Crush Repeat
Development is one stage, testing is another. Qualification of the INS will be aligned with the requirements of Gilmour Space’s Eris orbital vehicle.
Simulating a rocket launch, the navigation system will run through a series of stringent tests to gauge its failure point, this includes:
Shock: Sudden high-impact forces to simulate stage separations and engine ignitions
Vibration: Continuous high-frequency vibrations to replicate the conditions during lift-off and ascent
Temperature: Extreme heat and cold cycles to ensure functionality across the rocket’s operating range
Pressure and Vacuum: Rapid pressure changes and vacuum environments to simulate ascent through the atmosphere and operation in space
The simulations create the perfect storm for system failure, in which the INS must survive being repeatedly shaken, frozen, heated, smashed, crushed and pulled—a series of critical milestones to overcome before it is truly ready for blast-off.
Building an Australian Space Launch Platform
“Projects like this one demonstrate the ingenuity that Australia has to offer our international partners in space.”said Head of Australian Space Agency, Enrico Palermo.
“Through this investment we are helping Australian companies gain crucial space heritage and grow strong customer bases – which will generate more opportunities for Australia to collaborate on the global stage.”
Advanced Navigation was previously a recipient of the Moon to Mars Initiative: Demonstrator Mission Grant.
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