Scottish space technology firm Aurora Avionics is preparing to test its technology in space after integrating its PF1 onboard computer into a German research rocket.
The PF1 system has been installed and tested on the MAPHEUS research rocket by Aurora engineers working with the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) near Munich.
The system will fly as part of the MAPHEUS-17 mission, scheduled for launch from Esrange in Sweden in October.
The annual MAPHEUS sounding rocket programme reaches altitudes of up to 300 kilometres and supports materials physics and life science experiments in microgravity.
The flight will be the first test of Aurora’s PF1 system, which is one of the company’s early experimental prototypes and forms part of the rocket’s payload.
The integration was carried out with DLR’s Mobile Rocket Base (MORABA) team. Aurora engineers will continue to provide technical support ahead of the launch.
The project is part of Aurora’s wider expansion across Europe. The company secured a £525,000 contract with Spanish firm Pangea Propulsion last year and has also partnered with French company Alpha Impulsion.
Aurora Avionics develops avionics systems for space launch campaigns, with its PF1 system forming part of its work to develop hardware for future missions.
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Myles Bax, commercial lead at Aurora Avionics said: "Seeing our technology being integrated into a major German research system is an exciting moment, not only for our firm but for the wider Scottish space industry.
"Hardware developed here in Scotland is now being integrated into major European programmes, highlighting the growing role the country is playing within the international space sector.
"As we continue to establish our presence across Europe through a growing number of partnerships, opportunities like this allow us to demonstrate the capabilities of our technology on an international stage."
Dorian Hargarten, head of DLR’s MORABA said: "The close collaboration between our engineering teams allowed the integration and testing process to be completed very efficiently.
"We look forward to continuing our work with Aurora Avionics as we prepare for the launch of MAPHEUS-17 and to seeing the system perform its first test within a real flight environment."
Oren Smith-Carpenter, chief executive officer of Aurora Avionics said: "Seeing our system successfully integrated into a complex research rocket marks a major moment.
"The speed at which we were able to complete the integration is testament to our deep understanding of DLR’s system and the close collaboration between both engineering teams.
"Flying on a major European research mission gives us the opportunity to test how our technology performs within a real launch environment and demonstrate our capabilities on an international stage.
"As we work alongside DLR in preparation for the October launch, we’re looking forward to seeing our technology play a part in this major launch."
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