Aurora V1
THE COMPUTER
THE SOFTWARE
THE TVC MOUNT
THE DATA
SEE IT IN ACTION
This is Aurora. A rocketry flight computer for thrust vectoring, controlling parachutes, data logging, and in-flight emergency aborts. Safer, more realistic flights — no fins required. First of its kind in Ukraine.
It uses two Arduino Nano as processers, each for Accelerometer (IMU6050) or Barometer (BMP388). Flight computer also has GPS tracker, SD card port, buzzer and 4 Pyro-channels to deploy parachutes or fire second stage motor.
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The Aurora flight computer runs a high speed control loop, prioritizing separate functions depending on the progress of the flight. Thrust vectoring draws considerable current from the power source; once burnout is detected, Aurora centers and locks the vectoring mount. Focus is then set on detecting apogee and triggering pyro events. A power source of at least 8V must be used - 9v alkaline or 11.1v LiPos are recommended.
The flight software tracks vehicle flight dynamics while the rocket is powered on. Aurora looks for cues to shift system states at liftoff, burnout, apogee, and landing. Especially regarding liftoff, this makes Aurora's operation simple. Once the settings file is configured for flight, all that is required of the user is turning on the flight computer; Aurora automatically enters the pad-idle mode. In pad-idle mode, Aurora can detect launch in under 10ms. Once detected, thrust vectoring is activated, in-flight abort is armed, and high-frequency data logging begins.
Developed over three weeks of iterative design, the thrust vector control motor mount is made from 3D printed PLA material. The mount uses two 9g servos, geared down for higher accuracy. The assembly can gimbal a motor ±5 degrees on each axis, X and Y. Though up to 40N of force will work with the mount, it works best with lower impulse motors, especially those with long burn times.
In-flight data logging takes place at 16Hz. Vectoring output, vehicle orientation, altitude, velocity, acceleration, and several other data points are recorded using a micro SD card. Upon switching the power button, Aurora creates a new CSV file on the micro SD card, dumping flight data into it. A 1GB Micro SD card can store hundreds of flights before it must be cleared. Flight settings are programable via a settings file on the removable Micro SD card, where in-flight data is also stored.
