CASSIOPEIA

The ultimate (2021 at list) model rocket launchpad 

3 min. reading

Cassiopeia is the launchpad electronic for Athena and hopefully for other rockets too. 

We hope it will be a timeless and always usable PCB.

We have put a lot of effort and dedication into designing all the features to fit every possible need when it comes to launching.

Cassiopea Front 

Cassiopea Back 

: 

Features

• 3 Hold Down Clamps
• 2 Upper Pliers
• 2 Strongback arm servo
• Humidity Sensor
• 1 BMP280 baro/temp
• 4 Corner indicator leds
• Motor sound detection system
• RGB voltage status indicator led
• Servo control switch
• Launch procedure reset switch
• Custom switch
• 2 additional I2C connection
• Humidity status led indicator
• Temperature status led indicator
• Rain status led indicator
• Voltage detector
• OLED screen
• MicroSD socket
• 12V relay controller (pyro)
• 3x 3V3/GND ports
• 3x 5V/GND ports
• 10 analog pin exit
• 4 rx/tx exit
• 6 12V/GND exit
• Raindrop sensor
• Voltage regulator
• Speaker
• 7 segment countdown sensor
• NRF24L01 Radio module
• 12 Digital pin
• additional spi line
• Buzzer
• Sound sensor

Cassiopeia in a nutshell manages all pre-launch checks and communicates with the rocket's avionics to determine if it is ready to be ignited.

The security systems that this admits are on three levels, and it can be connected to an additional remote control launch control case.

With Cassiopeia, in addition to all the safety functions, you can easily control three hold-down clamps, two servomotors to control the retractable strongback arm, and two more to hold the rocket in position from above.

The project was entirely carried out by Christian Ferracane on EasyEda, here his email (and instagram) for any specific request.

As Christian Ferracane writes on the Hephaestus’website

This PCB is the result of a week of work entirely focused on it.

It has in fact been designed with the aim of being suitable for any need during the launch phase.

I have personally puzzled to think about what the unexpected could be and to develop systems that can reduce them, if not even prevent them, thus increasing safety exponentially.

The board has been designed to be easy to build and affordable for everyone, so that simply armed with a soldering iron everyone can have the opportunity to build one.

All parts are trough hole to make the build easier and more affordable for everyone.