Andromeda is an avionics computer for thrust vectoring control rockets.

The teensy it mounts is able to run up to 600 MHz, ensuring great computing power for all avionics.

To put it simply, this PCB is able to determine the attitude of a rocket and to calculate how to behave to stabilize it if it goes outside the predetermined trajectory. For the entire duration of the launch, it records data on the flash memory, so as to avoid mechanical interference that a common SD card could present, and once it has been ascertained that it has landed successfully, it transfers all the data to a .txt file on the SD card, which can readily be analyzed by any device. Andromeda also has the task of ejecting the parachute at the most opportune moment, allowing the rocket to return to the ground intact in order to recover all the data and make another launch.

Onboard it is equipped with an accelerometer and a barometer sensor so that it can simultaneously determine which position data to send to the servos that control the direction of the motor and store important flight data on the integrated SD card and on the flashcard as a backup.

These data are very important because they allow debugging and troubleshooting to always improve software and hardware at each launch.

It is powered by 12V but works with just 5V. In any case, there are four different 12V outputs to power pyro charges or other possible future features. I personally use these exits for parachute ejection which slows down the descent by landing the rocket safely after launch.

Summing up, the card is equipped with two outputs for servomotors, an RGB LED and a buzzer that operates as status indicators and additional i2c, SPI, UART and simple 5V/GND outputs, two data saving systems (flash chip and SDcard) as well as to what I have already described.

Before launch, to connect andromeda to the launchpad I used some of these additional ports to add a nrf24l01 radio so that they communicated all vital states before departure.

More information, downloads, and datasheets on our website www.hephaestus.space

Designed and promoted by Christian Ferracane.