Hudson Space Systems Flight Computer Overview

The flight computer is responsible for the operation of rocket core functionality. It triggers actuators such as igniters, valves, and recovery systems. It also logs flight data. All functions must be precision timed to within 5ms, and all in-flight functions are critical.

High level functionality requirements:

• Board is vibration resistant
• Board has redundancy at all levels where possible
• Board can satisfy mission objectives
  • Run autonomous flight control program in real time
  • Initiate actuator events
  • Log actuator events
  • Receive, process, and log sensor data
  • Send telemetry and receive commands via radio link
  • Receive data and communicate with GPS/IMU
• Board can satisfy testing objectives
  • Run autonomous testing program in real time
  • Initiate actuator events
  • Log actuator events
  • Send telemetry and receive commands via serial link
  • Send telemetry and receive commands via radio link
  • Receive, process, and log sensor data

Timeline

November 31: Research and select components based on weighted criteria, have them ordered

December 31: Begin testing performance of individual components and coding, use breadboards - prototyping deliverable for each subsystem (for purchasing, will need additional timeline)

January 31: Assemble board (expect two to three iterations)

February 28: Integration testing

Upcoming Deliverables as of 11/20:

• Completed systems diagram with communication, which bus protocols between chips
• Processor and memory selection
• Amplifier and condition selection for peripherals
• Update BOM
• Begin eagle schematic
• Start outlining program

Our initial testing will be performed on campus for any components/software that we obtain. We will test individual components for both functionality and reliability, as well as perform integration testing on the entire board.

Initially, working hands-on with the existing solution/prototype will be useful to understanding what our final product will remember, with obvious improvements from the original board.

Testing will be performed on campus at Stevens.

Design