Smart solutions for space and beyond

The increasing demand for access to space calls for us to reduce non-recurrent costs in avionics and lessen the impact on launch service prices in safety operations. We want to eliminate the current dependency on human intervention in traditional flight termination architecture, which stunts launcher competitiveness.

Our tools for a shift in the space industry

Autonomous Flight Termination Unit (AFTU)

An AFTU demonstrator, which works autonomously on board the vehicle, provides determination of launcher status and processing of dedicated mission rules. Transferring these safety operations from the ground is a game changer in terms of cost, availability, flexibility and timeliness.

Multi-layer approach for Integrated Avionics (MIA)

The MIA architecture increases portability and reusability of software and hardware components by layering the interdependent elements between each other. This improves performance and functionalities that have a direct impact on costs and energy consumption.

Adding value to the space sector

Our layered architecture reduces the number of hardware elements, as they can be used by different modules, reducing the environmental footprint. The Autonomous Flight Termination System removes the need for ground infrastructures, and the high processing software could save up to 100 W of power and reduce up to 25 kg of mass compared to current standards.

By avoiding technological dependency on non-EU providers thanks to our low-cost and modular architectures that optimise software processing, Europe can accomplish the objective of doubling the space transportation market by 2030. The independence from ground assets also allows for new launch pad locations and their optimisation by reducing time costs and enabling simultaneous launches.

Our modular avionics software enables innovative applications in terms of design and performance without a deep knowledge of the low-level components. Developers and integrators can perform feasibility studies with our software execution platform to plan solutions. Up to 25% and 40% of development and testing effort could be saved, respectively, compared to current standards, leading to significant improvements in business case prices.

With our efforts towards autonomous avionics technology, new applications for space transportation systems and space systems in general can be developed. The SAFEST project aims to solve the ESA exploration programme’s need for onboard IP determination or the Earth observation market’s demand for very high resolution images taken autonomously.

Meet the SAFEST team