Australian Space Agency Funds High-Shock Inertial Navigation System
Will Support Gilmour Space Technologies Eris Rocket and Elara Satellite Development
The Australian Government, through the Australian Space Agency, has awarded a Moon to Mars Initiative: Supply Chain Capability Improvement Grant to Advanced Navigation that will accelerate the development of a space-grad high-shock Inertial Navigation System (INS) to withstand the extreme conditions of a rocket launch.
“Our engineers are excited to continue their innovations in developing sensors for high-stakes environments."
Chris Shaw, Advanced Navigation
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.” said 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 launch.