AVIONICS & GUIDANCE

Flight computers, GNC systems, IMUs, and the electronics that guide rockets to orbit.

From inertial measurement units to autonomous flight safety systems — explore the avionics that make precision spaceflight possible. Understand guidance algorithms, radiation hardening, and triple-redundant architectures.

AVIONICS SYSTEMS

Guidance, navigation & control systems powering spaceflight — flight computers, IMUs, star trackers, and more.

20 systems
● Active
VARIOUS (CONTRACTOR-DEPENDENT)
Autonomous Flight Safety System (AFSS)
Range SafetyDual fault-tolerant
● Active
BAE SYSTEMS
BAE RAD750 Flight Computer
Flight ComputerMission-dependent (typically dual)
● Active
SPACEX
Dragon Flight Computer
Flight ComputerTriple modular redundancy (vote-based)
● Active
DRAPER LABORATORY
Draper CAMS (Crew Autonomy)
GN&C SystemDual with manual backupRAD HARD
● Active
SPACEX
Falcon 9 Flight Computer
Flight ComputerTriple modular redundancy
● Active
VARIOUS (ENSIGN-BICKFORD, SPACEX, ULA)
Flight Termination System (AFTS)
Range SafetyDual-redundant (independent chains)
● Active
GENERAL DYNAMICS / L3HARRIS
GPS III Receiver
Navigation ReceiverDual-channelRAD HARD
● Active
NORTHROP GRUMMAN
Hemispherical Resonator Gyro (HRG)
Inertial SensorTypically triaxialRAD HARD
● Active
HONEYWELL AEROSPACE
Honeywell HG1700 IMU
Inertial Measurement UnitDual-redundant optionalRAD HARD
● Retired
IBM FEDERAL SYSTEMS
IBM AP-101S (Shuttle GPC)
Flight ComputerQuintuple redundant (4+1 backup)RAD HARD
● Active
HONEYWELL AEROSPACE
Inertial Measurement Unit (SIGI)
Navigation SystemDual SIGI units on most vehiclesRAD HARD
● Retired (replaced by EGS)
IBM / NASA
KSC Launch Processing System
Ground Support SystemDual-redundant consoles
● Active
NORTHROP GRUMMAN
LN-200S Fiber Optic Gyro
Inertial Measurement UnitSingle unit (mission-redundant)RAD HARD
● Active
ANALOG DEVICES / HONEYWELL / VARIOUS
MEMS Accelerometer
Inertial SensorEasily replicated due to small size
● Active
HONEYWELL AEROSPACE
Orion Flight Computer
Flight ComputerDual-redundant with dissimilar backupRAD HARD
● Active
HONEYWELL / NORTHROP GRUMMAN
Ring Laser Gyroscope
Inertial SensorTypically triaxial (3 units per IMU)
● Active
L3HARRIS / GENERAL DYNAMICS
S-Band Transponder
CommunicationsTypically dual-redundant
● Active
BALL AEROSPACE
Star Tracker (Ball Aerospace CT-633)
Attitude SensorTypically dual per spacecraftRAD HARD
● Active
GENERAL DYNAMICS / L3HARRIS
TDRSS Transponder
CommunicationsDual-stringRAD HARD
● Retired (legacy architecture in use)
MOTOROLA / COLLINS RADIO
Unified S-Band System
CommunicationsDual-redundant