Autonomous thurst vector controlled rocket
Brief overview
Invented, built, and tested a thrust vector controlled scaled rocket for my undergraduare thesis in mechatronic engineering. I implemented a PID controller and a state machine in C++ for autonomous active orientation control in-flight and recovery. I formulated and constructed a custom flight controller PCB using EAGLE. Designed the rocket body, thrust vector control mount and parachute deploy system in Inventor/Fusion360. A autonomous launchpad and App was built to launch the rocket from a safe distance. A ESP32 was used for wireless protocols between the launchpad and the android app created with MIT AppInventor.
(Final thesis is attatched below.)
Video demo
Parachute system
The parachute system utilizes a spring to eject the parachute and the door when a servo is turned that is blocking the door. The servo is opened at 90% of the apogee altitude. Altitude of the rocket is calculated by using a barometer, a temperature sensor and knowing the height above sea level.
Flight controller PCB
Mission control android APP
Launchpad motor ignition connection
