First Nations Launch 2021 Avionics for Rocketry Shane

First Nations Launch 2021 Avionics for Rocketry Shane Justice, Principal Systems Engineer Raytheon Missiles & Defense January 25, 2021 The material contained in this document is based upon work supported by a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) grant or cooperative agreement. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASA.

Agenda – Avionics for Rocketry 1. Trackers 2. Flight Controllers (Altimeters) 2

Trackers Radio Frequency Considerations - License-Free Operation - Amateur Band Operation Components - Flight Segment - Ground Segment 3

Trackers - Radio Frequency Considerations -License-Free / Unlicensed Operation - ISM Band (Industrial, Scientific & Medical) - 315 MHz, 915 MHz, & 2. 4 GHz in the United States - Amateur Band Operation - Requires United States Amateur Radio Operator's License - Technician Class at a Minimum - FNL suggests a license-free tracker and prohibits transmissions that exceed 250 m. W. 4

Trackers - Flight Segment Antenna Featherweight GPS & Antenna Tracker Transmitter Battery Power Switch 5 Altus. Metrum Tele. GPS Apogee Simple GPS

Trackers - Ground Segment Altus. Metrum Tele. BT Receiving Antenna GPS & Antenna Receiver Computer or Tablet/ Cellphone Apogee Simple GPS Software Application Compatible with Tracker and Computer/Cellphone Featherweight GPS and App 6

Trackers - Sources https: //www. featherweightaltimeters. com/featherweight-gps-tracker 1. html https: //altusmetrum. org/ https: //www. apogeerockets. com/Electronics-Payloads/Rocket-Locators/Simple-GPS-Tracker https: //www. multitronix. com/ 7

Flight Controllers (Altimeters) Primary Use: Initiate Release of Recovery System(s) at Appropriate Time Simple Controller: Barometric Sensor- Altitude triggered Complex Controller: Barometric and Accelerometer/Gyro- based Sensor Suite - Some of These Also Have Embedded Tracker, as well as Telemetry Capability FNL requires at least one commercially available, barometric altimeter for recording official altitude. Redundant altimeter is recommended to ensure parachute deployment. 8

Simple Flight Controllers May be 1) Single (Apogee-Only) Deployment or 2) Dual (Apogee [Drogue] and Main) Deployment Perfect. Flite Stratologger. CF If Rocket Speed Is Anticipated to Approach or Transition Mach, Select ONLY Controllers WITH MACH INHIBIT to Prevent Recovery Deployment While Under Thrust Featherweight Raven 4 9

Complex Flight Controllers Selected Controllers Provide Following Functions -Barometric Sensor -Accelerometer (One-axis, Two, Axis, or Three Axis) Altus. Metrum Tele. Metrum -Gyro Sensors (Usually Three-Axis) -Mach Inhibit a Usual Feature -Selectable Barometric or Accelerometer/Gyro- Triggered Apogee (Drogue) Deployment -Main Parachute Deployment by Barometrically-Sensed Altitude -Extensive Flight Data Recording and Telemetry, as well as tracking in Some Models 10

Select Flight Controllers - Sources https: //www. featherweightaltimeters. com/raven-altimeter. html https: //altusmetrum. org/ https: //www. nar. org/contest-flying/us-model-rocket-sporting-code/appendix/altimetersapproved-for-contest-use/ NOTE: The First Two Links are My Personal Favorites, As I Have 100% Success With The Brands 11

Arming Switch Considerations - Use Switches Resistant To Changing States Under G-Forces (+ OR -) - Don't Rely On Twisted Wires to Complete Circuit - Screw-Down Switch and Magnetically-Activated Electronic Switches Preferred - Avoid BAT-HANDLE, TOGGLE, and SLIDE Switches – They Can (And HAVE) Changed State In-Flight, Resulting in Loss of Vehicle -FNL requires that each altimeter have a dedicated mechanical arming switch that is accessible on the pad and cannot be disarmed due to flight forces. 12 Missile. Works 6 -32 Screw Switch Featherweight Magnetic Switch

Avionics Mounting Considerations Tracking and Telemetry Require RF-Transparent Airframe in Vicinity of Antennas - No Carbon Fiber - No Metal (Aluminum, Steel, etc. ) Airframe - No Metallic-Finish (Paint, Heat-shrink Covering, etc. ) Over Airframe Barometric Sensors Require Free Airflow to Operate- Add Ports Into Avionics Bay - See Handbook of Modern Rocketry (G. Harry Stine) - See Modern High Power Rocketry 2 (Mark Canapa) - See FNL Competition Handbook Rigidly Mount All Avionics With Appropriate Hardware to Insure Proper Function - Accelerometers and Gyros Require Solid Mounting For Error-Free Performance All Wiring Should Be Soldered AND/OR Crimped to Insure Connections Under G's 13

Selected “SLED”- Style Avionics Mounting Schemes 14

Selected 3 D- Printed Avionics Mounting Schemes 15

Avionics for Rocketry - Conclusions Select The Appropriate Avionics to Meet Mission Goals Mount Avionics to Prevent Unintended Operation - Ensure RF-transparent Airframe for Telemetry and Tracking - Make Secure Electrical Connections - Allow for Airflow to Barometric Sensors - Consider REDUNDANT Flight Controllers- More Reliable than a Single Controller! -Time-Phase Redundant Charge to Fire AFTER Primary Charge by Time or Altitude -Test What You Will Fly, and Fly ONLY What You Test - Ensure Deployment Charges are Adequate to Deploy Drogue & Main Parachutes 16

QUESTIONS? 17