Development of navigation guidance and control technology for Indian launch vehicles

The orbital injection accuracy of any payload depends on the calibre of the inertial guidance system used on board the launch vehicle. This paper outlines the mission definition and the rationale for the selection of a proper guidance system to meet final mission objectives. The functions and the architecture of the navigation, guidance and control are discussed. The developmental aspects of the sophisticated inertial sensors, inertial systems, associated complex electronics, on-board computers, control actuators and systems are reported. The complexity of the on-board control and guidance software and the test and evaluation procedures used for their validation are included. The general scheme of the inertial guidance systems and the critical role played by them in the realization of Indian satellite launch vehicles SLV-3, ASLV and PSLV are presented in brief.