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Advanced Navigation awarded grant to support Gilmour Space rocket launches

Sydney-based Advanced Navigation a world leader in navigation and autonomous systems, has received a $856,077 grant from the Australian Government through the Australian Space Agency. The Moon to Mars Initiative: Supply Chain Capability Improvement grant will accelerate development of an Inertial Navigation System (INS) that can 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 Orbit (LEO).

“In the vast emptiness of space, without external guides, rockets rely on a sophisticated suite of navigation, guidance, and control (GNC) systems,” said Chris Shaw, co-founder and CEO of Advanced Navigation. “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.

“We look forward to supporting Gilmour Space in advancing Australian-made launch vehicles to help lower the cost of accessing space.”

Qualification of the INS will be aligned with the requirements of Gilmour Space’s Eris orbital vehicle. It consists of a plethora of high-end sensors, including accelerometers and gyroscopes. 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.

“Projects like this one demonstrate the ingenuity that Australia has to offer our international partners in space,” said Enrico Palermo, head of the Australian Space Agency.

“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.”

Simulating a rocket launch, the navigation system will first 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
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