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Completed TRL 6 (started at 5, targeting 6)
More science experimentation and technology development can be accomplished on nano-satellites than ever before. With this growth in capability, it is highly advantageous to NASA to be able to launch nano-satellites (with mass under 25 kg) as primary payloads into Low Earth Orbit as cost-effectively as possible. AVA (Affordable Vehicle Avionics) is a generic avionics technology that can be easily ported between launch vehicles, and leveraged by several third-party launch service providers. STMD’s Game Changing Development Program (GCDP) is funding AVA development from TRL 5+ to become TRL 6+ in FY15-16. A phased, iterative test approach is proposed with several AVA prototypes flying as non-controlling avionics (piggybacking).
Problem Statement
A phased, iterative test approach is proposed with several AVA prototypes flying as non-controlling avionics (piggybacking). The first prototype AVA would fly on a suborbital sounding rocket flight in early FY16. Evaluation of post-flight data and “tuning” of AVA control laws would then be performed, followed by a second suborbital sounding rocket flight later in FY16.
Technology Maturation
AVA prototypes must be flown on actual rockets to allow for comparison of recorded AVA navigation data and simulated rocket control commands with actual “truth” data and commands collected from test flights. This comparison of data will validate AVA’S performance and provide confidence to launch vehicle developers that AVA can be a viable controller.Without piggybacking on launches, the AVA technology cannot be matured beyond TRL 5.
Summary of Flight Test
2018-09-17 Because we received the data late due to the parachute issue, we are still at the very early stages of data analysis. We may have more information in the coming days. In the meantime, I would suggest the following:
SL-11 was the first successful flight for AVA and it showed extremely promising results. Despite the parachute not deploying on SL-11, AVA data survived. Early data analysis indicates that AVA accomplished its primary flight objective of roll-axis closed loop control. The data showed issues with the secondary objective of 3-axis attitude control and the cause is being investigated. Detailed data analysis is being conducted to confirm these results and to determine software adjustments required for AVA’s next flight on SL-14 in April 2019.
2015-11-16 NASA's Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, California, tested its Affordable Vehicle Avionics project, a suite of avionics that will provide early verification of new software and hardware for delivering an affordable and capable Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) system and telemetry avionics. The avionics project will be applied to multiple nano-launch vehicles at one percent the cost of current state-of-the-art avionics. Using this new GNC system reduces the cost of launching small payloads into orbit as well as recurring costs of future launches.
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
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