The project that I was working on is a model rocket flight computer called Apex.

• The project goal was to develop a cheap but yet powerful computer for adults and young children that want to get more advanced into the realm of rocketry.
• Adults and Young Children (if skilled enough) can assemble this flight computer easily by themselves.
• People can learn programming skills to improve the functionality of the flight computer to maximize the usage of the computer.
• 3D modeling skills are used to build a 3D printed mount for the flight computer in a rocket.
• CFD can be used to verify the functionality of the flight computer.

The reasoning on why I had wanted to develop this flight computer is because of my deep passion for Aerospace Engineering, and that I didn't quite have the money to buy a flight computer for the number of times I launch model rockets. This is because I have to find land that people are willing to let me launch model rockets on, which is difficult where I live. During that time, I wanted to advance my rockets while still staying at a small scale. In the end, I decided to build a control system for my model rockets that is cheap and can control the roll. Once I heard about the competition, I had decided to submit my design into it as it seemed fun.

This was one of the roll control system concepts I developed before creating the PCB:

• Link to view the concept roll control system: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GKCUPvScbs8zgqR3LjPUQWZYyfPKf4La/view?usp=sharing

Here is the link to a YouTube video that explains more in detail:

• https://youtu.be/hVLZDhuO4Co

The Apex Flight Computer works by taking real-time data from the BMP180 (which is barometer sensor module used for finding air pressures, this subsequently can be used to find the altitude that the sensor is at), as well as the MPU6050 (a gyroscope that is used for finding the orientation). This data from the sensors is then processed into the Raspberry Pi Pico, the Pico would then send PWM signals to servos that would actuate control surfaces on model rockets to reduce roll. The main computer (Raspberry Pi Pico) can be re-programming to perform different actions via the usage of MicroPython.

Quick Notes (Programming): I was about to develop a way to record the altitude, orientation, air pressure and acceleration on the Pico. This

data can then be viewed on computer after the flight. But due to time crunches, I didn't quite get the chance to implement it.  

• For the 3D printing files, you can alter the other diameter of the mount depending on your rocket's airframe.

The Vector3D.py and IMU.py files for the MPU6050 were developed by Computer Knowlege Enthusiast. While the main.py script was written by myself.