Outline for Challenge 1: Defining Project Requirements and Goals

This first challenge sets the foundation for the flight computer design by focusing on defining the project’s requirements, goals, and physical layout. Participants will work on understanding the bare minimum functionality needed while brainstorming additional features to enhance the system. They will also conceptualize the physical layout of the avionics system, ensuring modularity and compatibility with the rocket's structure.

Objective

• Define the core project requirements and goals for the flight computer.
• Establish a high-level physical layout of the avionics system.
• Encourage creative design ideas while ensuring compliance with basic requirements.
• Deliver a rough sketch or CAD drawing of the proposed board layout.

Key Deliverables

1. Defined Project Requirements and Goals
   • A document outlining:
     • Bare minimum requirements:
       • Communication with a ground station from air.
       • Accurate collection of altitude telemetry.
       • GPS functionality.
       • Operability using a single battery.
     • Additional optional goals (participants are encouraged to brainstorm):
       • Sensor fusion (e.g., combining accelerometer, gyroscope, barometer data).
       • Guided navigation systems.
       • Advanced telemetry (e.g., velocity, orientation).
       • Etc. I wanna hear your ideas
   • Participants should justify any additional goals they propose based on feasibility and potential value.
2. Defined Physical Layout of Avionics
   • A description of how the avionics system will be physically structured:
     • Modularity: Decide if the system will consist of one board, multiple interconnected boards, or another modular design (e.g., castellated edges, backplane architecture).
     • Mounting: Rough structure of how avionics will be fitted into rocket
     • Connectivity: Discuss how components will interface (e.g., soldered connections vs. connectors).

Steps to Complete Challenge

Step 1: Understand Bare Minimum Requirements

• Review and discuss the basic project goals:
  1. Communication with ground station to air.
  2. Accurate altitude telemetry collection.
  3. GPS functionality.
  4. Operability from a single battery source.

Step 2: Brainstorm Additional Features

• Encourage participants to think creatively about what additional features could enhance the flight computer’s functionality.
• Examples include:
  • Advanced sensor integration for sensor fusion.
  • Guided navigation systems for autonomous control.
  • Data redundancy to improve reliability.

Step 3: Define Physical Layout

• Decide on modularity:
  • Single board vs. multiple boards vs some other unique method
  • Use of a backplane or other connection methods.
• Consider mounting:
  • How will the board(s) attach to the rocket structure? (Mounting holes, etc.)
• Discuss power distribution and wiring strategies.