Advanced Navigation awarded $5.2m ASA grant

Advanced Navigation will deliver a space-qualified light detection, altimetry and velocimetry sensor called LUNA (laser measurement unit for navigational aid) to US-based space systems company Intuitive Machines as part of NASA’s ongoing Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.

LUNA technology is expected to be demonstrated on board Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lander during the final descent en route to the lunar surface and improve the safety and reliability of autonomous landing manoeuvres before being offered commercially for integration into landers from 2025–26.

Advanced Navigation co-founder and chief executive officer Xavier Orr said the technology will enable reliable navigation on the lunar surface and serve as a catalyst for autonomous space exploration and transportation.

“We are humbled the Australian Space Agency has awarded Advanced Navigation a Demonstrator Mission Grant as it represents a pivotal milestone in the company’s trajectory, as we embark to be among the first Australian technologies to reach the moon,” he said.

“Our work with Intuitive Machines will enhance Australia’s sovereign space capabilities, further unlock the commercial space economy, and ignite a new era of innovation as we push the boundaries of scientific discoveries and exploration on the moon and beyond.”

LUNA delivers precise three-dimensional velocity and altitude information relative to the lunar surface to replace visual references that can fail due to lack of light, dust, and other obscurities.

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Australian Space Agency head Enrico Palermo said upcoming space technology will improve the safety and reliability of complex autonomous landing manoeuvres, and in turn, improve confidence in exploring the lunar surface.

“The projects being supported show just some of the many ways that space technologies are improving how we live and how we work,” he said.

“By helping Australian organisations like Advanced Navigation to develop their space heritage, they can break into new markets and supply chains and take their innovative Aussie technology to the world.

“That will help them to grow, keep their ideas in Australia and generate more employment opportunities here.”

Advanced Navigation has previously been a recipient of the Moon to Mars: Supply Chain Capability Improvement Grant from the Australian Space Agency.

The company will be collaborating with Australian Astronomical Optics at Macquarie University to design, fabricate, and qualify LUNA’s optical head assembly to survive the environmental conditions of space. Advanced Navigation will also be supported by Australian company Transparent Earth Geophysics.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.