GMV contributes to successful AVIOLANCIO maiden flight through its integrated avionics solution

GMV contributed significantly to the successful AVIOLANCIO flight test campaign carried out from Houston at the end of April, by supplying the complete avionics system for the microlauncher demonstrator. 

The AVIOLANCIO program, led by the Italian National Research Council (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche – CNR), aimed to develop an air‑launched microlauncher deployable from a fighter aircraft to improve access to space for small platforms.

In this program, GMV was responsible for the development, integration, and validation of the launcher’s avionics system, a core element for achieving the mission objectives. The avionics solution included an onboard computer and data handling system capable of acquiring measurements from sensors distributed along the launcher; a complete S‑band telemetry system comprising a transmitter and two antennas; the power subsystem, consisting of batteries and a Power Control and Distribution Unit; GNC sensors such as an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and the Sextans GMV^®software‑based GNSS receiver; a Starlink antenna for data transmission; as well as the complete onboard software and the Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) functions. Together, these elements ensured reliable vehicle monitoring and control throughout the flight using CNR’s real-time data monitoring software (Aetherlink).

During the launch campaign, GMV supported the full integration of the avionics into the rocket flight model and the verification of the launcher’s status while mounted under the wing of an Alphajet aircraft. GMV also provided support to CNR and the team during ground operations through detailed analysis of telemetry data.

The avionics system demonstrated robust and nominal performance, enabling the successful verification of the mission profile and objectives. This achievement represents an important milestone in the development of innovative air‑launched access‑to‑space technologies and confirms GMV’s role in supporting European research and technological advancement in the space domain.