One of Scotland's emerging space technology companies has secured a role in the development of an unconventional rocket engine that could help reduce the cost and complexity of future space missions.
Edinburgh-based Aurora Avionics has signed a contract with European aerospace company Alpha Impulsion to provide electronic control systems for a new type of propulsion technology known as an autophage engine, a concept that takes a very different approach from conventional rockets.
Rather than carrying all of its fuel separately from the rocket's structure, an autophage engine is designed so that part of the vehicle itself is gradually consumed during flight and used as propellant. The aim is to reduce the amount of dead weight carried into space, improving efficiency and potentially lowering launch costs.
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Under the agreement, Aurora will develop two key systems for the programme: an Engine Control Unit (ECU) and a Power Distribution Unit (PDU). The ECU acts as the engine's central computer, processing information and issuing commands during operation, while the PDU ensures electricity is distributed safely to the various components that require power. Together, the systems form a vital part of the engine's electronic architecture.
The deal is the latest milestone for Aurora Avionics, a business founded by former Orbex engineers Oren Smith-Carpenter and Rowland Fraser. The pair launched the company after identifying a common challenge across the space sector: many rocket developers were repeatedly designing their own flight electronics from scratch, rather than concentrating resources on the technologies that made their vehicles distinctive.
Aurora is developing what it describes as a universal avionics platform. Avionics is the collective term for the electronic systems that guide, monitor and control aircraft and spacecraft, handling functions such as navigation, guidance and communications. The company believes its modular approach can help manufacturers cut development times and costs while improving reliability.
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The start-up has attracted backing from the Gabriel Investment Syndicate and Scottish Enterprise, following earlier support from the European Space Agency.
“Europe has no shortage of ambitious space engineering businesses, but bringing those ideas to market depends on making development faster, less risky and more affordable," said Mr Smith-Carpenter, chief executive of Aurora Avionics.
“By creating avionics that can work across different programmes instead of starting again for every vehicle, we can help companies concentrate their time and investment on the technology that makes their mission unique. That is particularly valuable for emerging launch and propulsion companies, where controlling development costs can make the difference between a promising concept and a commercially viable system.”
Myles Bax, commercial lead at Aurora Avionics, said the partnership with Alpha Impulsion demonstrates how the company's adaptable technology could support some of the most ambitious propulsion projects emerging in Europe.
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“Our role is to give its engineers a dependable electronic backbone for the engine, controlling its operation and distributing power where it is needed," he said. “The initial contract is an important first step, but the wider opportunity is significant as the engine progresses through development and towards future missions.”
Founded in 2022, Alpha Impulsion operates in France and Italy and is drawing on expertise from across Europe's aerospace sector as it develops the autophage concept. The company's stated goal is to reduce propulsion costs, improve the efficiency of future launch systems and strengthen Europe's independent access to space.
Chief executive Marius Celette said reliable control and power systems were central to the programme and that the agreement with Aurora would provide access to flexible avionics technology capable of supporting successive stages of engine development.
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