Project RocNaV: Rocket Navigation system (Flight Computer)

I like rockets and always wanted to build one and control it, thus the project idea for this coures: a filght computer.

Project Sketch

Launch 1:

Lanuch 2:

On this page I will document the whole jurney.

Project Slides Project RocNaV

To build a rocket navigation system, the first thing I need is a rocket. I designed one with openrocket It's roughly 1 meter tall and has these major parts:

Project Development

Tasks Completed

• CAD of Project
• Manufacturing
• Integration

What's working

• Read live flight data through Arduino serail Interface
• IMU (gyroscope, Accelerometer) Data reading and is usefull for triggerring parachute release due to decrease in altitude
• Data logging: saving gyroscope data to SD-Card

Problems

• Communications modules Bugging: a lot of the communications modules we used before integration carried a lot of noise, and were not able to keep the link over 30 meters (CC2530F256 ZigBee, HC12RF...)

• GSP Module (BN220 GPS module 3.0V-5.0V TTL level GNSS) taking long to lock Satellites and is very unstable

• Engine Material Failure: PLA case bursted under pressure and heat on both launches

FIxes, Improvemwnts, Solutions (Pre laucnh)

• Locking satellites (6-8): Switched to new GPS module (GY-GPS6MV2)
• Logging: GPS coordinates add to file saved on SD-card
• WiFi data transmissionwe can send commands (like reset) to the flight computer byt typing into the serial

Questions/Problems that will need to be resolved

• Steady rocket flight: we are going to use a stainless steel 304 engine casing

What Will happen, When?

The remaing Improvements can be done after teh Fab Academy since they are not directly the main focus of the projects

• Material Improvements: Stainless Engine casing to extend flight time

What have you learned?

• Physical limitations of 3D printed PLA in high temperature and pressure environments anf operations
• System integration: electronics, physical, and chemical behaviors towards a working system of rockets
• Fuel preparation and mixing
• Programming around available electronics and specific application

Project Summary Slide.