Advanced Navigation has secured funding from the Australian Government through the Australian Space Agency’s Moon to Mars Initiative: Supply Chain Capability Improvement Grant.
The grant will support the development of a space-graded high-shock Inertial Navigation System (INS) designed to endure the extreme conditions of rocket launches, the firm said in a media release.
The advanced INS technology will aid Australian launch services company Gilmour Space Technologies in developing and deploying its Eris Rockets and Elara Satellite platforms into 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. 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 and co-founder Chris Shaw.
Shaw added that the company’s engineers are committed to innovation in high-stakes environments and are looking forward to supporting Gilmour Space in advancing Australian-made launch vehicles.
Rockets encounter extreme environmental stresses from launch to payload deployment, requiring precision engineering to protect navigation systems.
INS components, including accelerometers and gyroscopes, must be shielded from shock, vibration, gravitational shifts, and extreme temperatures.
Advanced Navigation’s solution involves integrating a high-shock enclosure that absorbs and redistributes intense g-forces, preventing disruptions to the system’s sensitive sensors.
“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.
The qualification of the INS will follow rigorous testing protocols aligned with Gilmour Space’s Eris orbital vehicle requirements.
The tests will simulate rocket launch conditions, including high-impact shocks, sustained vibrations, extreme temperature fluctuations, and rapid pressure changes to ensure functionality in space.
Head of the Australian Space Agency Enrico Palermo said that the project highlights Australia’s technological expertise.
“Projects like this one demonstrate the ingenuity that Australia has to offer our international partners in space. 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.”
