Control, Navigation and Guidance Concept Studies [Pre-Phase A] for a Venture Class Orbital Launch Vehicle (5 - 150kgs)**

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Reaction Dynamics is a Montreal-based company developing a small-scale orbital class launch vehicle. Motivation to do so stems from the recent growth in the small-satellite market. Reaction Dynamics has developed a novel propulsion system that is much simpler than conventional rockets that in turn leads to a simpler, more cost effective, vehicle. However, Reaction Dynamics has yet to tackle the challenging task of developing a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) system. The purpose of this Engage grant is to foster a relationship between Reaction Dynamics and the McGill team, where a GNC package specific to Reaction Dynamics novel vehicle is developed. During the Engage grant, the Navigation algorithm development will be focused on, followed by the development of a control system. The novel aspect of the proposed research is how to realize a reliable GNC algorithm at a reduced scale and cost relative to existing launch vehicles. In some sense, this Engage project is following in the same footsteps of the small-satellite industry; rather than having huge, expensive spacecraft and launch vehicles, have small, inexpensive spacecraft and launch vehicles. The small-satellite industry is waiting for launch vehicle technology to catch up, and this Engage grant will foster this catch-up process, helping to realize one the first small-scale launchers not only in Canada, but in the world.****