GNC, AOCS and Pointing Division

Defines the strategy in line with technological and market evolutions

Supports projects and research and development of Attitude and Orbit Control Systems (AOCS) for satellites and Guidance, Navigation and Control (GNC) systems for space vehicles including launch and transportation systems

Develops advanced control, estimation & optimisation techniques and tools

Develops end-to-end engineering and does research and development on high-pointing accuracy systems as well as research and development for AOCS and GNC sensors

Ensures readiness of modelling and simulation of AOCS and GNC systems in support of projects and technology developments

Develops control engineering standards in the framework of ECSS and ESA standardisation boards (E60 branch) and supports the SAVOIR initiative

Manages the AOCS, Pointing Systems, GNC and sensor test facilities as well as the Division’s participation in the Avionics System Laboratory

Contributes to R&D roadmap harmonisation, related working groups (e.g. SAVOIR, MB4SE) and other networking initiatives in the area of GNC, AOCS and Pointing

Contributes to Functional Avionics activities

Contributes to activities and to supporting in the domain of in-orbit analyses, lessons learned and knowledge management

Contributes to the Systems Department strategy and to supporting the definition and implementation of transversal actions

Supports activities of the relevant Competence Domains (CD1, 3 and 7 mostly)

Organises the international ESA Conference on Guidance, Navigation & Control Systems and workshops

Co-organises the Avionics Data Control Software Systems workshop.