Advanced Navigation has been awarded one of the first Moon to Mars Supply Chain Capability Improvement grants by the Australian Federal Government for the development of quantum-enhanced inertial navigation solutions for space launch vehicles and robotic platforms. This new inertial navigation technology will be an essential component of NASA’s space exploration initiative, the Artemis Lunar Exploration Program.
The quantum-enhanced navigation system will enable NASA and other members of the international space exploration community to execute deep space, lunar and planetary missions that were previously not possible. Artemis is NASA’s human lunar exploration plan, with the program aiming to send the first woman and next man to the surface of the Moon by 2024. Scientists have long acknowledged the Moon as a rich source of information regarding Earth and the Solar System. Using the findings from the Moon, NASA will then prepare to launch missions to Mars.
High-accuracy inertial navigation technology will be vital to the mission’s success. According to the company, Advanced Navigation’s existing inertial navigation systems have already been recognised by the international aerospace community as an excellent technology to help pioneer a new age of space exploration and discovery.
Chris Shaw, co-CEO of Advanced Navigation, commented: “This grant will support Advanced Navigation and Q+CTRL’s ambitions to supply the Australian and international space sectors with a world-first offering to deliver on mission critical needs.”
“In the long-term view of this critical initiative, team activities following this project will establish an ongoing manufacturing opportunity and capacity that is central to the emerging Australian space industry.”
