Aurora Avionics to supply electronics for Alpha Impulsion autophage engine

Aurora Avionics, an Edinburgh-based flight control manufacturer, has secured a contract to supply electronic systems for Alpha Impulsion’s autophage rocket engine. The agreement involves the design and delivery of an Engine Control Unit (ECU) and a Power Distribution Unit (PDU).

The ECU will serve as the central command processor for engine startup, throttling, and safety shutdowns, while the PDU will regulate and distribute electrical power to thruster actuators, valves, and sensors.

Alpha Impulsion is developing an autophage propulsion concept, which aims to increase payload efficiency by consuming the launch vehicle’s own structural body as propellant during flight. This approach is intended to reduce the deadweight typically carried into orbit. The European startup operates with teams in France and Italy.