The word avionics being a contraction of 'aviation electronics', the Avionics Laboratory carries out research related to the data handling sub-system, guidance navigation and control devices and associated software flown aboard a satellite. These items cannot be bought as off the shelf equipment based on conventional components because they must be able to carry on operating for years at a time while surviving the harsh space environment. Satellite avionics must be specifically designed and built instead.
 
 
Comprising computers, data bus, sensors and actuators and on-board software and algorithms, the avionics subsystem contributes a huge amount to a given mission's functionality but is complex and expensive - corresponding to around 60% of overall development and verification costs of a typical satellite platform only.

The Avionics Laboratory supports this development process by enabling the demonstration, testing and validation of new avionics technologies and by developing control software tools. It also helps to cut mission future costs by evaluating standardised components, system architectures and building blocks for subsequent reuse.
 
 
Last update: 29 September 2009