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Sounding Rocket Curriculum - 3

A stuctured curriculum in Rocketry covering the core of rocketry, electronics, and mechanical design.

Goal

To prepare a team to successfully design, build, and launch a competitive sounding rocket for the Spaceport America Cup competition with team members.

Rocketry Basics for Spaceport America Cup

Rocketry

This course provides foundational knowledge in rocketry principles for teams preparing to compete in the Spaceport America Cup. The curriculum is designed for individuals with limited rocketry experience but with strong programming skills, focusing on essential concepts that will serve as building blocks for more advanced topics.

Rocket Physics Fundamentals

Core physics principles that govern rocket motion and performance.

Newton's Laws Applied to Rocketry

  • Newton's First Law: Inertia (edited item): To understand how inertia affects rocket launch and flight phases.

  • Newton's Second Law: F = ma: To understand how changing mass affects rocket acceleration during flight.

  • Newton's Third Law: Action and Reaction: To understand how expelled propellant creates forward thrust.

Basic Rocket Equation

  • Tsiolkovsky's Rocket Equation: To apply the rocket equation to performance calculations.

  • Specific Impulse (Isp): To understand specific impulse and its importance in rocket performance.

  • Mass Relationships: To understand mass distribution in rocket design.

  • Mass Ratio Optimization: To apply mass ratio optimization to rocket design.

Rocket Components and Terminology

Essential components of a sounding rocket and their functions.

Structural Components

  • Nosecone: To understand nosecone aerodynamics and payload integration.

  • Airframe/Body Tube: To understand airframe design considerations and functions.

  • Fins: To understand fin design, placement, and function in rocket stability.

  • Motor Mount: To understand motor mounting and retention systems.

  • Bulkheads and Centering Rings: To understand internal structural support components in rocket design.

  • Recovery System Attachment Points: To understand design considerations for recovery system connections.

Propulsion System Components

  • Motor/Engine: To understand rocket motor types and classifications.

  • Nozzle: To understand nozzle design and function in rocket propulsion.

  • Propellant: To understand propellant options and characteristics.

  • Ignition Systems: To understand ignition system options and implementation.

Recovery Systems

  • Parachutes: To understand parachute types and deployment configurations.

  • Deployment Mechanisms: To understand ejection charge and electronic deployment systems.

  • Shock Cords and Harnesses: To understand shock cord selection and installation.

  • Descent Rate Calculations: To calculate appropriate descent rates for safe recovery.

Avionics and Electronics

  • Altimeters: To understand barometric and GPS-based altitude measurement.

  • Flight Computers: To understand commercial flight computer options and capabilities.

  • Accelerometers and Gyroscopes: To understand inertial measurement systems in rocket applications.

  • Telemetry Systems: To understand telemetry system components and implementation.

  • Power Systems: To understand power system requirements and redundancy.

Rocket Performance Calculations

Methods for calculating and predicting rocket performance.

Altitude Prediction

  • Thrust Curve Analysis: To analyze thrust curves for altitude prediction.

  • Drag Coefficient Estimation: To estimate drag coefficients for altitude prediction.

  • Weight and Balance Considerations: To analyze weight and balance effects on altitude.

  • Simulation Software Introduction: To use simulation software for altitude prediction.

Stability Analysis

  • Center of Pressure (CP) Calculation: To calculate CP location for stability analysis.

  • Center of Gravity (CG) Determination: To determine CG location for stability analysis.

  • Static Margin Requirements: To apply static margin guidelines to rocket design.

  • Stability Testing Methods: To implement stability testing for rocket designs.

Recovery System Sizing

  • Terminal Velocity Calculations: To calculate terminal velocity for recovery system sizing.

  • Parachute Sizing Formulas: To apply parachute sizing formulas to recovery system design.

  • Descent Rate Optimization: To optimize descent rate for safe recovery.

  • Recovery Zone Prediction: To predict recovery zones based on wind and descent rate.

Rocket Stability Principles

Factors affecting rocket stability during flight.

Aerodynamic Stability

  • Weather-cocking Effect: To understand weather-cocking and its effects on flight path.

  • Relationship between CP and CG: To understand the fundamental stability relationship in rocket design.

  • Fin Size and Placement Effects: To optimize fin design for stability.

  • Stability Testing Methods: To implement effective stability testing procedures.

Dynamic Stability

  • Damping Forces: To understand damping effects on dynamic stability.

  • Oscillation during Powered Flight: To analyze and minimize flight oscillations.

  • Transonic and Supersonic Considerations: To account for transonic effects in stability design.

  • Roll Stability and Roll Rate: To analyze and control roll dynamics.

Instability Causes and Remedies

  • Insufficient Static Margin: To identify and correct insufficient static margin issues.

  • Asymmetric Fins or Thrust: To prevent and address asymmetry issues in rocket construction.

  • Weather Conditions Effects: To account for weather effects in rocket design and launch planning.

  • Corrective Design Modifications: To implement effective design modifications for stability improvement.

Propulsion Systems for Spaceport America Cup

Motor options and selection criteria for competition rockets.

Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Motors

  • Solid Motor Classifications: To understand motor classification systems for competition selection.

  • Certification Requirements: To understand motor certification requirements for competition use.

  • Manufacturers and Availability: To identify reliable sources for competition-appropriate motors.

  • Selection Criteria for Competition Categories: To select appropriate motors for 10K and 30K competition categories.

Student Researched and Developed (SRAD) Motors

  • Solid Propellant Formulations: To understand solid propellant options for SRAD motors.

  • Hybrid Motor Designs: To understand hybrid motor design principles for SRAD applications.

  • Safety Considerations and Testing Protocols: To implement safety standards for SRAD motor development.

  • Performance Characterization: To test and characterize SRAD motor performance.

Motor Selection Criteria

  • Total Impulse Requirements: To determine total impulse requirements for competition categories.

  • Thrust Profiles and Burn Time: To select motors with appropriate thrust profiles for the mission.

  • Physical Dimensions and Weight: To select motors with appropriate physical characteristics for the rocket design.

  • Certification Status and Regulations: To ensure compliance with all regulations regarding motor selection and use.

Basic Aerodynamics for Rocket Design

Aerodynamic principles applied to rocket design.

Subsonic vs. Transonic Flight

  • Mach Effects on Aerodynamic Forces: To understand aerodynamic effects at transonic velocities.

  • Drag Increases near Mach 1: To account for transonic drag increase in performance calculations.

  • Design Considerations for Transonic Flight: To implement design features that mitigate transonic effects.

Drag Reduction Strategies

  • Nosecone Shape Optimization: To optimize nosecone shape for aerodynamic performance.

  • Surface Finish Considerations: To implement appropriate surface finishing techniques for drag reduction.

  • Fin Profile Design: To design fin profiles that minimize drag while providing stability.

  • Body Tube Transitions: To design low-drag transitions between rocket sections.

Fin Design Principles

  • Aspect Ratio Considerations: To select appropriate fin aspect ratios for stability and drag.

  • Airfoil Shapes vs. Flat Plate: To determine appropriate fin profiles for the rocket's velocity regime.

  • Structural Requirements: To design fins with adequate structural integrity for flight conditions.

  • Manufacturing Methods: To select appropriate manufacturing methods for fin production.

Electronics and Sensors for Sounding Rockets

Electronics

This course covers the essential electronics and sensor systems required for a successful sounding rocket in the Spaceport America Cup competition. Building on the team's strong programming background, this curriculum focuses on practical implementation of electronic systems that interface with the physical rocket components.

Flight Computer Systems

Commercial and custom flight computer options for sounding rockets.

Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) Flight Computers

  • TeleMetrum Flight Computers: To evaluate TeleMetrum flight computers for the rocket project.

  • Stratologger Flight Computers: To evaluate Stratologger flight computers for the rocket project.

  • RRC3 and Similar Flight Computers: To evaluate RRC3 and similar flight computers for the rocket project.

  • Eggtimer Flight Computers: To evaluate Eggtimer flight computers for the rocket project.

  • Flight Computer Integration: To implement effective integration of commercial flight computers.

Custom Flight Computer Development

  • Microcontroller Options: To select appropriate microcontrollers for custom flight computer development.

  • Processing Capabilities: To specify appropriate processing capabilities for flight computer tasks.

  • Environmental Considerations: To design flight computers that can withstand flight conditions.

  • PCB Design Considerations: To design reliable PCBs for flight computer applications.

  • Firmware Development Best Practices: To implement best practices in flight computer firmware development.

System Architecture

  • Main vs. Backup Systems: To implement appropriate redundancy in flight computer architecture.

  • Separation of Critical and Non-Critical Functions: To prioritize critical functions in system architecture design.

  • Redundancy Strategies: To design effective redundancy into flight computer systems.

  • Signal Isolation and Noise Reduction: To implement effective signal isolation and noise reduction in electronic designs.

  • Fault Tolerance and Recovery Mechanisms: To implement fault-tolerant design in flight computer systems.

Sensor Selection and Integration

Types of sensors and their integration into rocket systems.

Altitude Determination Sensors

  • Barometric Pressure Sensors: To select and implement appropriate barometric pressure sensors.

  • Calibration Techniques: To implement effective sensor calibration procedures.

  • Filtering Algorithms: To implement effective filtering algorithms for sensor data.

  • Altitude Calculation Methods: To implement accurate altitude calculation algorithms.

  • Sensor Fusion Approaches: To implement effective sensor fusion for altitude determination.

Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs)

  • Accelerometer Range Selection: To select accelerometers with appropriate measurement ranges.

  • Gyroscope Implementation: To implement gyroscopes for angular rate measurement.

  • Magnetometer Integration: To implement magnetometers for orientation measurement.

  • IMU Package Selection: To select appropriate IMU packages for the rocket application.

  • Mounting Considerations: To implement effective mounting techniques for IMUs.

Additional Sensors

  • Temperature Sensors: To implement temperature monitoring for rocket systems.

  • Voltage and Current Monitoring: To implement power system monitoring for rocket electronics.

  • Strain Gauges: To implement strain measurement for structural monitoring when appropriate.

  • Air Speed Sensors: To implement air speed measurement when appropriate.

  • Custom Scientific Payload Sensors: To integrate custom scientific sensors for the competition payload.

Sensor Calibration and Testing

  • Pre-flight Calibration Procedures: To implement effective pre-flight sensor calibration.

  • Environmental Testing: To test sensors under various temperature and pressure conditions.

  • Vibration Testing: To assess and mitigate vibration effects on sensor accuracy.

  • Data Validation Techniques: To implement data validation techniques for flight sensors.

  • Failure Mode Analysis: To analyze and mitigate sensor failure modes.

Recovery Systems Electronics

Electronic systems for controlling rocket recovery.

Dual Deployment Systems

  • Main and Drogue Parachute Deployment Timing: To implement appropriate deployment timing for dual recovery systems.

  • Altitude-based vs. Timer-based Deployment: To select appropriate deployment trigger methods for recovery systems.

  • Redundant Deployment Systems: To implement appropriate redundancy in recovery deployment systems.

  • Ejection Charge Sizing: To calculate and test appropriate ejection charge sizes.

  • Mechanical Interfaces: To design effective interfaces between electronic and mechanical recovery systems.

Electronic Deployment Controllers

  • Commercial Deployment Controllers: To evaluate and select appropriate commercial deployment controllers.

  • Custom Deployment Circuit Design: To design custom deployment circuits when appropriate.

  • Pyro Channel Safety Mechanisms: To implement appropriate safety mechanisms for pyrotechnic systems.

  • Continuity Testing Systems: To implement reliable continuity testing for pyrotechnic circuits.

  • Arming and Disarming Procedures: To implement safe arming and disarming procedures for recovery systems.

Servo-Actuated Recovery Systems

  • Servo Selection: To select appropriate servos for recovery system actuation.

  • Control Circuit Design: To design effective control circuits for servo-actuated recovery systems.

  • Power Requirements: To calculate and provide appropriate power for servo-actuated systems.

  • Mechanical Integration: To design effective mechanical interfaces for servo-actuated systems.

  • Reliability Testing: To implement thorough reliability testing for servo-actuated systems.

Recovery System Testing

  • Ground Testing Procedures: To develop and implement effective ground testing for recovery systems.

  • Simulated Deployment Testing: To conduct realistic deployment testing before flight.

  • Electronics-only Testing: To implement effective electronics-only testing procedures.

  • Full System Integration Testing: To conduct thorough integration testing of recovery systems.

  • Failure Mode Analysis and Mitigation: To analyze and mitigate recovery system failure modes.

GPS Tracking Systems

GPS tracking solutions for rocket location and recovery.

GPS Tracking Requirements for Spaceport America Cup

  • Competition Tracking Requirements: To understand and comply with competition tracking requirements.

  • Frequency Management: To implement appropriate frequency management for tracking systems.

  • Recovery Team Coordination: To develop effective recovery team coordination procedures.

  • Multiple Tracker Implementation: To implement multiple tracking systems when appropriate.

Commercial GPS Trackers

  • Featherweight GPS Trackers: To evaluate Featherweight GPS trackers for the rocket project.

  • BigRedBee Systems: To evaluate BigRedBee tracking systems for the rocket project.

  • Eggfinder Systems: To evaluate Eggfinder tracking systems for the rocket project.

  • TeleMetrum Tracking: To evaluate TeleMetrum tracking capabilities for the rocket project.

  • Tracker Selection Criteria: To select appropriate tracking systems based on project requirements.

Custom GPS Tracking Solutions

  • GPS Module Selection: To select appropriate GPS modules for custom tracking systems.

  • Radio Transmission Options: To select appropriate radio transmission systems for GPS tracking.

  • Antenna Design: To design and implement effective antennas for tracking systems.

  • Power Requirements: To design appropriate power systems for GPS trackers.

  • Integration Options: To determine appropriate integration approaches for tracking systems.

Ground Station Equipment

  • Receiver Hardware: To select appropriate receiver hardware for ground stations.

  • Directional vs. Omnidirectional Antennas: To select appropriate antenna types for tracking ground stations.

  • Signal Amplification and Filtering: To implement signal enhancement techniques for tracking reception.

  • Software Interfaces: To implement effective software for tracking visualization.

  • Field Operation Procedures: To develop effective field procedures for rocket tracking.

Data Logging and Telemetry

Systems for recording and transmitting flight data.

Onboard Data Logging

  • Storage Media Selection: To select reliable storage media for flight data logging.

  • Data Acquisition Rates: To implement appropriate data acquisition rates for flight sensors.

  • File System Considerations: To implement reliable file systems for flight data storage.

  • Critical Data Prioritization: To implement data prioritization for flight data logging.

  • Power-loss Data Protection: To implement data protection strategies for power loss scenarios.

Real-time Telemetry Systems

  • Radio Frequency Selection: To select appropriate radio frequencies for telemetry systems.

  • Bandwidth and Data Prioritization: To implement data prioritization for telemetry transmission.

  • Packet Design and Error Correction: To implement robust packet design with error detection and correction.

  • Range Testing and Optimization: To maximize effective range of telemetry systems.

  • Antenna Placement and Design: To implement effective antenna designs for telemetry systems.

Data Processing and Analysis

  • Real-time vs. Post-flight Processing: To determine appropriate timing for flight data processing.

  • Filtering and Smoothing Algorithms: To implement effective filtering algorithms for flight data.

  • Derived Measurement Calculations: To implement derived measurement calculations for flight analysis.

  • Data Visualization Techniques: To implement effective data visualization for flight analysis.

  • Performance Metric Extraction: To extract meaningful performance metrics from flight data.

Telemetry Ground Station

  • Receiver Hardware Configuration: To configure effective receiver hardware for telemetry ground stations.

  • Software Interfaces and Data Display: To implement effective software for telemetry reception and display.

  • Recording and Archiving: To implement effective data recording systems for telemetry.

  • Range Prediction and Antenna Pointing: To implement effective antenna pointing systems for ground stations.

  • Field Operation Procedures: To develop effective field procedures for telemetry operations.

Power Systems Design

Power supply and distribution for rocket electronics.

Power Requirements Analysis

  • Power Budget Calculation: To calculate comprehensive power budgets for rocket electronics.

  • Peak Current Demands: To determine peak current requirements for power system design.

  • Duration Requirements: To calculate power duration requirements for flight missions.

  • Environmental Considerations: To account for environmental factors in power system design.

  • Redundancy Needs: To implement appropriate power redundancy for flight electronics.

Battery Selection

  • Battery Chemistry Options: To select appropriate battery chemistry for flight applications.

  • Capacity and Discharge Rate: To select batteries with appropriate capacity and discharge capabilities.

  • Temperature Performance: To select batteries with appropriate temperature performance.

  • Physical Size and Weight: To select batteries with appropriate physical characteristics.

  • Safety and Handling: To implement appropriate battery safety and handling procedures.

Power Distribution

  • Voltage Regulation: To implement effective voltage regulation for flight electronics.

  • Power Isolation: To implement appropriate power isolation between systems.

  • Fusing and Circuit Protection: To implement appropriate circuit protection for flight electronics.

  • Switch and Connector Selection: To select appropriate switches and connectors for power systems.

  • Wiring Harness Design: To design effective wiring harnesses for rocket electronics.

Power System Testing

  • Load Testing: To implement effective load testing for power systems.

  • Temperature Performance Verification: To verify power system performance across temperature ranges.

  • Runtime Verification: To verify power system runtime against mission requirements.

  • Failure Mode Testing: To test and mitigate power system failure modes.

  • Integration with Other Systems: To verify power system compatibility with flight electronics.

Integration and Testing

Methods for integrating and testing electronic systems.

System Integration

  • Electronics Bay Design: To design effective electronics bays for rocket integration.

  • Mounting Techniques: To implement effective mounting techniques for flight electronics.

  • Electromagnetic Interference Mitigation: To implement effective EMI mitigation in electronic system design.

  • Thermal Management: To implement effective thermal management for flight electronics.

  • Accessibility: To design electronic systems with appropriate accessibility.

Environmental Testing

  • Vibration Testing: To test and mitigate vibration effects on electronic systems.

  • Temperature Cycling: To verify electronic system performance across temperature ranges.

  • Pressure/Vacuum Testing: To test electronic systems under pressure/vacuum conditions.

  • Electromagnetic Interference Testing: To test for and mitigate electromagnetic interference issues.

  • Water/Moisture Resistance: To verify electronic system resistance to moisture and water.

Pre-flight Testing Procedures

  • Checklist Development: To develop effective pre-flight checklists for electronic systems.

  • Ground Testing Protocols: To implement effective ground testing protocols for electronics.

  • Simulated Flight Testing: To conduct effective simulated flight testing for electronic systems.

  • Failure Mode Testing: To test and mitigate electronic system failure modes.

  • Documentation Requirements: To implement effective documentation for electronic system testing.

Troubleshooting Techniques

  • Common Failure Modes: To understand and recognize common electronic failure patterns.

  • Diagnostic Procedures: To develop effective diagnostic procedures for electronic systems.

  • Test Equipment Requirements: To identify and acquire necessary tools for electronic troubleshooting.

  • Field Repair Techniques: To develop field repair capabilities for electronic systems.

  • Issue Documentation: To implement effective documentation of electronic issues and resolutions.

Mechanical Design and Construction Process

Mechanical Design

This course covers the mechanical design and construction processes required for building a successful sounding rocket for the Spaceport America Cup competition. It addresses the needs of a team with limited mechanical experience but strong programming skills, focusing on practical approaches that can be implemented within a 3-month timeframe.

Rocket Airframe Design

Design principles for sounding rocket airframes.

Design Requirements Analysis

  • Competition Category Requirements: To understand competition-specific design constraints.

  • Payload Accommodation: To design appropriate payload integration systems.

  • Recovery System Integration: To integrate recovery systems effectively in rocket design.

  • Motor Selection Constraints: To design airframe components compatible with selected motors.

  • Transportation and Field Handling: To incorporate transportation considerations into rocket design.

Airframe Sizing and Configuration

  • Diameter Selection: To select optimal airframe diameter for the mission requirements.

  • Length-to-Diameter Ratio: To determine appropriate length-to-diameter ratio for stability and performance.

  • Modular Design Approaches: To implement modular design for rocket components.

  • Structural Load Path Analysis: To design structures that effectively manage flight loads.

  • Weight Distribution and CG Planning: To optimize weight distribution for stability and performance.

Nosecone Design

  • Nosecone Shape Selection: To select optimal nosecone shapes for mission requirements.

  • Aerodynamic Performance Considerations: To understand aerodynamic effects of nosecone design choices.

  • Manufacturing Method Selection: To select appropriate manufacturing methods for nosecones.

  • Payload Bay Integration: To design effective payload integration into nosecone sections.

  • Structural Requirements: To design nosecones with sufficient structural integrity.

Fin Design and Placement

  • Number of Fins and Configuration: To select optimal fin configurations for stability.

  • Fin Shape and Dimensions: To design optimal fin shapes and sizes for the rocket's mission.

  • Root-to-Tip Ratio Considerations: To determine appropriate root-to-tip ratios for fin design.

  • Mounting Methods: To select appropriate fin mounting methods for the rocket design.

  • Material Selection Based on Forces: To select appropriate fin materials based on structural requirements.

Motor Mount Design

  • Motor Retention Systems: To design effective motor retention systems.

  • Thrust Structure Design: To design effective thrust structures for motor mounting.

  • Centering Ring Placement: To determine optimal centering ring positions for motor mounting.

  • Thermal Protection Considerations: To implement appropriate thermal protection for motor mount areas.

  • Motor Accessibility: To ensure appropriate motor accessibility for launch preparation.

Materials Selection

Selection criteria for rocket component materials.

Airframe Materials

  • Cardboard and Paper Tubes: To evaluate cardboard and paper tubes for airframe applications.

  • Fiberglass Options: To evaluate fiberglass options for airframe components.

  • Carbon Fiber Considerations: To evaluate carbon fiber materials for airframe components.

  • Aluminum Options: To evaluate aluminum materials for airframe components.

  • Hybrid Material Approaches: To evaluate hybrid material approaches for airframe design.

Nosecone Materials

  • Plastic Options: To evaluate plastic manufacturing methods for nosecones.

  • Fiberglass Composites: To evaluate fiberglass composite options for nosecones.

  • Wood Construction: To evaluate wood construction methods for nosecones.

  • Metal Fabrication: To evaluate metal fabrication options for nosecones.

  • Weight vs. Strength Considerations: To optimize nosecone material selection for weight and strength.

Fin Materials

  • Plywood Types and Grades: To evaluate plywood options for fin construction.

  • Fiberglass Sheet and Layup: To evaluate fiberglass options for fin construction.

  • Carbon Fiber Options: To evaluate carbon fiber options for fin construction.

  • Aluminum and Metal Options: To evaluate metal options for fin construction.

  • Composite Sandwich Structures: To evaluate composite sandwich structures for fin construction.

Bulkhead and Internal Structure Materials

  • Plywood and Wood Options: To evaluate wood options for bulkheads and internal structures.

  • Fiberglass Plate: To evaluate fiberglass options for bulkheads and internal structures.

  • Aluminum Plate: To evaluate aluminum options for bulkheads and internal structures.

  • 3D Printed Components: To evaluate 3D printing for internal structural components.

  • Fastener and Hardware Selection: To select appropriate fasteners and hardware for structural assembly.

Material Properties and Selection Criteria

  • Strength-to-Weight Ratio: To evaluate materials based on strength-to-weight performance.

  • Thermal Properties: To evaluate materials based on thermal performance requirements.

  • Manufacturability: To evaluate materials based on manufacturing capabilities.

  • Cost Considerations: To evaluate materials based on cost constraints.

  • Availability and Lead Time: To evaluate materials based on availability within project timeframe.

Manufacturing Techniques

Methods for fabricating rocket components.

Basic Workshop Skills

  • Measuring and Marking: To develop accurate measuring and marking skills for rocket construction.

  • Cutting and Shaping: To develop effective cutting and shaping skills for rocket construction.

  • Drilling and Hole Preparation: To develop effective drilling techniques for rocket construction.

  • Sanding and Finishing: To develop effective sanding and finishing techniques for rocket components.

  • Assembly Techniques: To develop effective assembly techniques for rocket construction.

Composite Construction Methods

  • Fiberglass Layup Techniques: To develop effective fiberglass layup skills for rocket components.

  • Resin Selection and Handling: To select and properly handle resins for composite construction.

  • Vacuum Bagging Processes: To implement vacuum bagging techniques for composite construction.

  • Curing Procedures: To implement appropriate curing procedures for composite components.

  • Finishing and Post-Processing: To implement effective finishing techniques for composite components.

3D Printing Applications

  • Part Design for 3D Printing: To design effective 3D-printable rocket components.

  • Material Selection: To select appropriate 3D printing materials for rocket components.

  • Print Parameter Optimization: To optimize 3D printer settings for rocket component production.

  • Post-Processing Techniques: To implement effective post-processing for 3D printed components.

  • Integration with Other Materials: To effectively integrate 3D printed components with other materials.

CNC and Machine Shop Techniques

  • Basic Machining Principles: To understand basic machining principles for rocket component fabrication.

  • Design for Manufacturability: To optimize component designs for manufacturing capabilities.

  • Working with Machine Shops: To develop effective collaboration with machine shops.

  • Quality Control and Inspection: To implement quality control procedures for machined components.

  • Cost-Effective Approaches: To implement cost-effective approaches to machined components.

Adhesives and Joining Methods

  • Epoxy Selection and Application: To select and apply appropriate epoxies for rocket construction.

  • Mechanical Fastening: To implement effective mechanical fastening techniques for rocket assembly.

  • Composite-to-Metal Bonding: To implement effective methods for joining different materials.

  • Thread Locking and Retention: To implement effective thread locking methods for flight hardware.

  • Removable vs. Permanent Joints: To determine appropriate joining methods based on assembly needs.

Recovery System Design and Integration

Design and implementation of rocket recovery systems.

Parachute Selection and Sizing

  • Main Parachute Sizing: To determine appropriate main parachute sizes for safe recovery.

  • Drogue Parachute Requirements: To determine appropriate drogue parachute specifications.

  • Material and Construction: To select appropriate materials and construction for recovery parachutes.

  • Commercial vs. Custom-Built: To determine whether to purchase or build recovery parachutes.

  • Packing Techniques: To implement effective parachute packing techniques.

Shock Cord and Harness Design

  • Material Selection: To select appropriate materials for recovery system connectors.

  • Length Determination: To determine appropriate shock cord lengths for recovery systems.

  • Attachment Methods: To implement reliable attachment methods for recovery systems.

  • Ejection Charge Protection: To implement effective protection from ejection charge effects.

  • Redundancy Considerations: To design appropriate redundancy into recovery harness systems.

Deployment Mechanisms

  • Black Powder Ejection Charges: To implement effective black powder ejection systems.

  • CO2 Systems: To implement CO2 deployment systems when appropriate.

  • Mechanical Deployment Options: To implement mechanical deployment systems when appropriate.

  • Electronic Deployment Control: To implement reliable electronic deployment control systems.

  • Redundant Systems Design: To design appropriate redundancy into deployment systems.

Recovery Bay Design

  • Compartmentalization: To design effective compartmentalization for recovery systems.

  • Electronics Mounting: To design effective mounting systems for recovery electronics.

  • Charge Holders and Separation Points: To design effective charge holders and separation mechanisms.

  • Access for Preparation: To ensure appropriate access for recovery system preparation and arming.

  • Protection from Ejection Forces: To design effective protection from deployment forces.

Recovery System Testing

  • Ground Deployment Testing: To implement effective ground testing for deployment systems.

  • Parachute Drag Testing: To test parachute drag performance before flight.

  • Ejection Charge Sizing Tests: To determine appropriate ejection charge sizes through testing.

  • Full System Integration Testing: To conduct thorough integration testing of recovery systems.

  • Failure Mode Analysis: To analyze and mitigate recovery system failure modes.

Assembly and Integration

Procedures for rocket assembly and system integration.

Component Interfaces

  • Coupler Design: To design effective couplers for rocket assembly.

  • Rail Button Installation: To implement effective rail button installation.

  • Avionics Bay Interfaces: To design effective interfaces for avionics bay integration.

  • Payload Integration: To design effective payload integration systems.

  • Motor Mounting and Retention: To design effective motor mounting and retention systems.

Assembly Sequence Planning

  • Logical Assembly Order: To develop logical assembly sequences for rocket construction.

  • Subassembly Preparation: To identify and prepare appropriate subassemblies before final integration.

  • Access for Internal Components: To plan assembly sequences that provide appropriate internal access.

  • Fastening and Bonding Sequence: To develop appropriate sequences for fastening and bonding operations.

  • Final Integration Steps: To implement effective final integration procedures.

Documentation and Procedures

  • Assembly Drawings: To develop clear assembly drawings for rocket construction.

  • Checklist Development: To develop comprehensive assembly checklists.

  • Quality Control Procedures: To implement effective quality control during rocket assembly.

  • Photographic Documentation: To implement thorough photographic documentation during assembly.

  • As-Built Documentation: To create accurate as-built documentation of the rocket.

Tool and Equipment Requirements

  • Basic Hand Tools: To identify and acquire necessary hand tools for rocket construction.

  • Specialized Rocketry Tools: To identify and acquire specialized tools for rocket construction.

  • Measuring and Alignment Tools: To identify and acquire necessary measuring tools for rocket construction.

  • Adhesive Application Tools: To identify and acquire appropriate adhesive application tools.

  • Testing Equipment: To identify and acquire necessary testing equipment.

Workspace Setup and Organization

  • Workspace Requirements: To identify and secure appropriate workspace for rocket construction.

  • Material Storage: To implement effective material storage systems.

  • Assembly Jigs and Fixtures: To design and create effective assembly jigs and fixtures.

  • Safety Equipment: To identify and acquire necessary safety equipment.

  • Efficiency Considerations: To optimize workspace organization for construction efficiency.

Testing and Validation

Methods for testing rocket systems and components.

Structural Testing

  • Fin Attachment Strength Testing: To test fin attachment strength before flight.

  • Bulkhead Pressure Testing: To test bulkhead pressure resistance when applicable.

  • Recovery Harness Load Testing: To test recovery harness load capacity before flight.

  • Motor Mount Thrust Testing: To test motor mount thrust capacity before flight.

  • Non-destructive Evaluation: To implement non-destructive testing techniques when appropriate.

Aerodynamic Testing

  • Stability Verification: To verify rocket stability through physical testing.

  • Wind Tunnel Testing: To conduct wind tunnel testing when available.

  • Computational Analysis Correlation: To validate computational models with physical test data.

  • Scale Model Testing: To conduct scale model testing when appropriate.

  • Flight Simulation Validation: To validate flight simulations with physical test data.

Integration Testing

  • Fit Checks: To conduct thorough fit checks during integration.

  • Electronics Integration Testing: To conduct thorough electronics integration testing.

  • Recovery System Deployment Testing: To conduct thorough recovery system deployment testing.

  • Full-scale Ground Testing: To conduct comprehensive ground testing of the assembled rocket.

  • Pre-flight Verification: To implement thorough pre-flight verification procedures.

Failure Mode Analysis

  • Common Failure Points: To identify and address common rocket failure points.

  • Preventative Design Approaches: To implement preventative design strategies for critical systems.

  • Redundancy Implementation: To implement appropriate redundancy in critical rocket systems.

  • Risk Assessment: To conduct comprehensive risk assessment for rocket systems.

  • Mitigation Strategies: To implement effective risk mitigation strategies.

Test Documentation

  • Test Plans and Procedures: To develop comprehensive test plans and procedures.

  • Data Collection Methods: To implement effective test data collection methods.

  • Analysis Techniques: To apply appropriate analysis techniques to test data.

  • Results Documentation: To develop effective test results documentation.

  • Design Iteration: To apply test results to design improvement.

Special Considerations for Competition

Competition-specific design and operational considerations.

Transportation and Logistics

  • Rocket Design for Transportability: To design rockets with transportation considerations in mind.

  • Breakdown and Reassembly: To design rockets that can be broken down and reassembled effectively.

  • Shipping Container Design: To design effective shipping containers for rocket transport.

  • Field Assembly Procedures: To develop effective field assembly procedures.

  • Tool and Supply Requirements: To identify and prepare necessary tools and supplies for competition.

Field Preparation and Launch Operations

  • Pre-flight Assembly Sequence: To develop effective pre-flight assembly sequences.

  • Motor Preparation: To develop safe and effective motor preparation procedures.

  • Launch Pad Setup: To develop effective launch pad setup procedures.

  • Recovery Preparation: To develop effective recovery system preparation procedures.

  • Post-flight Inspection: To develop effective post-flight inspection procedures.

Weather Considerations

  • Wind Effects on Design: To account for wind effects in rocket design.

  • Temperature Effects on Materials: To account for temperature effects in material selection.

  • Humidity Considerations: To account for humidity effects in rocket design.

  • Launch Day Adaptability: To develop strategies for adapting to launch day conditions.

  • Design Margins for Environment: To implement appropriate design margins for environmental variables.

Competition-Specific Requirements

  • Poster Session Preparation: To prepare effective poster presentations for the competition.

  • Technical Report Documentation: To prepare thorough technical reports for the competition.

  • Safety Inspection Preparation: To prepare effectively for competition safety inspections.

  • Team Presentation Materials: To develop effective team presentations for the competition.

  • Judging Criteria Alignment: To align the rocket project with competition judging criteria.

Programming and Data Acquisition for Sounding Rockets

Programming

This course leverages the team's strong programming expertise to develop robust software systems for data acquisition, flight control, and analysis for a Spaceport America Cup sounding rocket. The curriculum focuses on practical implementation of programming solutions that interface with the electronic and mechanical systems previously covered.

Embedded Programming for Flight Systems

Programming techniques for embedded flight computers.

Microcontroller Programming Fundamentals

  • Arduino Platform: To develop Arduino-based flight computer systems when appropriate.

  • STM32 Programming: To develop STM32-based flight computer systems when appropriate.

  • Teensy Platform: To develop Teensy-based flight computer systems when appropriate.

  • Real-time Operating System Considerations: To implement real-time operating systems when appropriate.

  • Memory Management: To implement effective memory management in flight software.

Sensor Integration

  • I2C, SPI, and UART Protocols: To implement appropriate communication protocols for sensor integration.

  • Sensor Driver Development: To develop effective sensor drivers for flight computers.

  • Sensor Fusion Algorithms: To implement effective sensor fusion algorithms for flight data.

  • Calibration Routines: To develop effective calibration routines for flight sensors.

  • Error Detection and Handling: To implement effective error detection and handling for sensor systems.

Flight State Machine Design

  • State-Based Programming: To implement effective state machines for flight software.

  • Event Detection and Handling: To implement effective event detection and handling.

  • Mode Transitions: To implement reliable mode transitions in flight software.

  • Error Recovery Mechanisms: To implement effective error recovery in flight software.

  • Watchdog Implementation: To implement effective watchdog systems in flight software.

Interrupt-Driven Programming

  • Timer Interrupts: To implement effective timer interrupts for flight software.

  • External Interrupts: To implement effective external interrupts for event detection.

  • Interrupt Priority Management: To implement appropriate interrupt priorities in flight software.

  • Shared Resource Protection: To implement effective resource protection in interrupt-driven software.

  • Balancing Polling and Interrupts: To implement an effective balance of polling and interrupts in flight software.

Power Management

  • Sleep Modes and Power States: To implement effective power states in flight software.

  • Battery Monitoring: To implement effective battery monitoring in flight software.

  • Graceful Shutdown: To implement graceful shutdown procedures in flight software.

  • Power-on Self-Test: To implement effective power-on self-test routines in flight software.

  • Brownout Detection: To implement effective brownout detection and handling in flight software.

Data Acquisition Systems

Software systems for collecting and storing flight data.

Data Collection Framework

  • Sampling Rate Determination: To determine appropriate sampling rates for flight data collection.

  • Buffer Management: To implement effective buffer management for flight data.

  • Timestamp Synchronization: To implement effective timestamp synchronization for flight data.

  • Priority-Based Collection: To implement priority-based data collection in flight software.

  • Resource Allocation: To implement effective resource allocation in flight software.

Storage System Design

  • File System Selection: To select appropriate file systems for onboard data storage.

  • SD Card Interfacing: To implement reliable SD card interfaces in flight software.

  • Flash Memory Management: To implement effective flash memory management in flight software.

  • Data Integrity Verification: To implement effective data integrity verification in flight software.

  • Recovery from Interrupted Writes: To implement effective recovery from interrupted write operations.

Telemetry Packet Design

  • Packet Structure and Framing: To design effective telemetry packet structures.

  • Error Detection and Correction: To implement error detection and correction in telemetry systems.

  • Compression Techniques: To implement effective data compression for telemetry when appropriate.

  • Critical Data Prioritization: To implement data prioritization in telemetry systems.

  • Bandwidth Optimization: To optimize bandwidth usage in telemetry systems.

Wireless Communication Implementation

  • Radio Module Programming: To implement effective radio module programming for telemetry.

  • Protocol Design: To design effective communication protocols for telemetry.

  • Acknowledgment and Retry: To implement acknowledgment and retry mechanisms when appropriate.

  • Range Optimization: To optimize transmission range for telemetry systems.

  • Interference Avoidance: To implement effective interference avoidance in telemetry systems.

Redundant Data Systems

  • Redundant Data Systems - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to redundant data systems

  • Redundant Data Systems - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to redundant data systems

  • Redundant Data Systems - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to redundant data systems

  • Redundant Data Systems - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to redundant data systems

  • Redundant Data Systems - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to redundant data systems

Flight Control Algorithms

Algorithms for flight stabilization and event detection.

Stability Augmentation Systems

  • Stability Augmentation Systems - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to stability augmentation systems

  • Stability Augmentation Systems - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to stability augmentation systems

  • Stability Augmentation Systems - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to stability augmentation systems

  • Stability Augmentation Systems - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to stability augmentation systems

  • Stability Augmentation Systems - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to stability augmentation systems

Event Detection Algorithms

  • Event Detection Algorithms - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to event detection algorithms

  • Event Detection Algorithms - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to event detection algorithms

  • Event Detection Algorithms - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to event detection algorithms

  • Event Detection Algorithms - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to event detection algorithms

  • Event Detection Algorithms - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to event detection algorithms

Recovery System Control

  • Recovery System Control - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to recovery system control

  • Recovery System Control - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to recovery system control

  • Recovery System Control - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to recovery system control

  • Recovery System Control - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to recovery system control

  • Recovery System Control - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to recovery system control

Simulation and Testing

  • Simulation and Testing - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to simulation and testing

  • Simulation and Testing - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to simulation and testing

  • Simulation and Testing - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to simulation and testing

  • Simulation and Testing - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to simulation and testing

  • Simulation and Testing - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to simulation and testing

Safety-Critical Programming Practices

  • Safety-Critical Programming Practices - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to safety-critical programming practices

  • Safety-Critical Programming Practices - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to safety-critical programming practices

  • Safety-Critical Programming Practices - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to safety-critical programming practices

  • Safety-Critical Programming Practices - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to safety-critical programming practices

  • Safety-Critical Programming Practices - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to safety-critical programming practices

Ground Station Software

Software for rocket monitoring and control from the ground.

Mission Control Interface

  • Mission Control Interface - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to mission control interface

  • Mission Control Interface - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to mission control interface

  • Mission Control Interface - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to mission control interface

  • Mission Control Interface - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to mission control interface

  • Mission Control Interface - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to mission control interface

Telemetry Reception

  • Telemetry Reception - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to telemetry reception

  • Telemetry Reception - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to telemetry reception

  • Telemetry Reception - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to telemetry reception

  • Telemetry Reception - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to telemetry reception

  • Telemetry Reception - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to telemetry reception

GPS Tracking Visualization

  • GPS Tracking Visualization - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to gps tracking visualization

  • GPS Tracking Visualization - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to gps tracking visualization

  • GPS Tracking Visualization - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to gps tracking visualization

  • GPS Tracking Visualization - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to gps tracking visualization

  • GPS Tracking Visualization - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to gps tracking visualization

Launch Sequence Control

  • Launch Sequence Control - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to launch sequence control

  • Launch Sequence Control - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to launch sequence control

  • Launch Sequence Control - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to launch sequence control

  • Launch Sequence Control - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to launch sequence control

  • Launch Sequence Control - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to launch sequence control

Post-Flight Data Processing

  • Post-Flight Data Processing - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to post-flight data processing

  • Post-Flight Data Processing - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to post-flight data processing

  • Post-Flight Data Processing - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to post-flight data processing

  • Post-Flight Data Processing - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to post-flight data processing

  • Post-Flight Data Processing - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to post-flight data processing

Data Analysis and Visualization

Methods for analyzing and visualizing flight data.

Flight Performance Analysis

  • Flight Performance Analysis - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to flight performance analysis

  • Flight Performance Analysis - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to flight performance analysis

  • Flight Performance Analysis - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to flight performance analysis

  • Flight Performance Analysis - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to flight performance analysis

  • Flight Performance Analysis - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to flight performance analysis

Statistical Analysis Techniques

  • Statistical Analysis Techniques - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to statistical analysis techniques

  • Statistical Analysis Techniques - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to statistical analysis techniques

  • Statistical Analysis Techniques - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to statistical analysis techniques

  • Statistical Analysis Techniques - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to statistical analysis techniques

  • Statistical Analysis Techniques - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to statistical analysis techniques

Machine Learning Applications

  • Machine Learning Applications - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to machine learning applications

  • Machine Learning Applications - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to machine learning applications

  • Machine Learning Applications - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to machine learning applications

  • Machine Learning Applications - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to machine learning applications

  • Machine Learning Applications - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to machine learning applications

Data Visualization Tools

  • Data Visualization Tools - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to data visualization tools

  • Data Visualization Tools - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to data visualization tools

  • Data Visualization Tools - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to data visualization tools

  • Data Visualization Tools - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to data visualization tools

  • Data Visualization Tools - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to data visualization tools

Competition Documentation

  • Competition Documentation - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to competition documentation

  • Competition Documentation - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to competition documentation

  • Competition Documentation - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to competition documentation

  • Competition Documentation - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to competition documentation

  • Competition Documentation - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to competition documentation

Simulation and Modeling

Techniques for simulating rocket flight and performance.

Physics-Based Flight Simulation

  • Physics-Based Flight Simulation - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to physics-based flight simulation

  • Physics-Based Flight Simulation - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to physics-based flight simulation

  • Physics-Based Flight Simulation - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to physics-based flight simulation

  • Physics-Based Flight Simulation - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to physics-based flight simulation

  • Physics-Based Flight Simulation - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to physics-based flight simulation

Monte Carlo Analysis

  • Monte Carlo Analysis - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to monte carlo analysis

  • Monte Carlo Analysis - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to monte carlo analysis

  • Monte Carlo Analysis - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to monte carlo analysis

  • Monte Carlo Analysis - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to monte carlo analysis

  • Monte Carlo Analysis - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to monte carlo analysis

Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing

  • Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to hardware-in-the-loop testing

  • Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to hardware-in-the-loop testing

  • Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to hardware-in-the-loop testing

  • Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to hardware-in-the-loop testing

  • Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to hardware-in-the-loop testing

Digital Twin Development

  • Digital Twin Development - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to digital twin development

  • Digital Twin Development - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to digital twin development

  • Digital Twin Development - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to digital twin development

  • Digital Twin Development - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to digital twin development

  • Digital Twin Development - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to digital twin development

System Optimization Tools

  • System Optimization Tools - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to system optimization tools

  • System Optimization Tools - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to system optimization tools

  • System Optimization Tools - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to system optimization tools

  • System Optimization Tools - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to system optimization tools

  • System Optimization Tools - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to system optimization tools

Integration with Physical Systems

Methods for interfacing software with physical rocket systems.

Hardware Abstraction Layer Design

  • Hardware Abstraction Layer Design - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to hardware abstraction layer design

  • Hardware Abstraction Layer Design - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to hardware abstraction layer design

  • Hardware Abstraction Layer Design - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to hardware abstraction layer design

  • Hardware Abstraction Layer Design - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to hardware abstraction layer design

  • Hardware Abstraction Layer Design - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to hardware abstraction layer design

Calibration Software

  • Calibration Software - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to calibration software

  • Calibration Software - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to calibration software

  • Calibration Software - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to calibration software

  • Calibration Software - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to calibration software

  • Calibration Software - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to calibration software

Debugging Tools and Techniques

  • Debugging Tools and Techniques - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to debugging tools and techniques

  • Debugging Tools and Techniques - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to debugging tools and techniques

  • Debugging Tools and Techniques - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to debugging tools and techniques

  • Debugging Tools and Techniques - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to debugging tools and techniques

  • Debugging Tools and Techniques - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to debugging tools and techniques

Version Control and Deployment

  • Version Control and Deployment - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to version control and deployment

  • Version Control and Deployment - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to version control and deployment

  • Version Control and Deployment - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to version control and deployment

  • Version Control and Deployment - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to version control and deployment

  • Version Control and Deployment - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to version control and deployment

Testing Frameworks

  • Testing Frameworks - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to testing frameworks

  • Testing Frameworks - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to testing frameworks

  • Testing Frameworks - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to testing frameworks

  • Testing Frameworks - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to testing frameworks

  • Testing Frameworks - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to testing frameworks

Project Timeline and Team Roles

Project Management

This course outlines a comprehensive project timeline and team role structure for a 4-person team building a sounding rocket for the Spaceport America Cup competition within a 3-month timeframe. The plan leverages the team's strong programming expertise while addressing the limited experience in rocketry, electronics, and mechanical design.

Project Timeline Overview

Comprehensive timeline for the 3-month rocket development project.

Three-Month Development Schedule

  • Three-Month Development Schedule - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to three-month development schedule

  • Three-Month Development Schedule - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to three-month development schedule

  • Three-Month Development Schedule - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to three-month development schedule

  • Three-Month Development Schedule - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to three-month development schedule

Critical Path Analysis

  • Critical Path Analysis - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to critical path analysis

  • Critical Path Analysis - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to critical path analysis

  • Critical Path Analysis - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to critical path analysis

  • Critical Path Analysis - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to critical path analysis

  • Critical Path Analysis - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to critical path analysis

Milestone Definition

  • Milestone Definition - Advanced Concepts: To understand and apply advanced concepts related to milestone definition

  • Milestone Definition - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to milestone definition

  • Milestone Definition - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to milestone definition

  • Milestone Definition - Case Studies: To understand and apply case studies related to milestone definition

  • Milestone Definition - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to milestone definition

  • Milestone Definition - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to milestone definition

  • Milestone Definition - Troubleshooting Techniques: To understand and apply troubleshooting techniques related to milestone definition

  • Milestone Definition - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to milestone definition

Task Scheduling

  • Task Scheduling - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to task scheduling

  • Task Scheduling - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to task scheduling

  • Task Scheduling - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to task scheduling

  • Task Scheduling - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to task scheduling

  • Task Scheduling - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to task scheduling

Team Roles and Responsibilities

Role structure for a 4-person rocket development team.

Core Team Structure for 4-Person Team

  • Core Team Structure for 4-Person Team - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to core team structure for 4-person team

  • Core Team Structure for 4-Person Team - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to core team structure for 4-person team

  • Core Team Structure for 4-Person Team - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to core team structure for 4-person team

  • Core Team Structure for 4-Person Team - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to core team structure for 4-person team

  • Core Team Structure for 4-Person Team - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to core team structure for 4-person team

Cross-Functional Responsibilities

  • Cross-Functional Responsibilities - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to cross-functional responsibilities

  • Cross-Functional Responsibilities - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to cross-functional responsibilities

  • Cross-Functional Responsibilities - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to cross-functional responsibilities

  • Cross-Functional Responsibilities - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to cross-functional responsibilities

  • Cross-Functional Responsibilities - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to cross-functional responsibilities

Skill Development Plan

  • Skill Development Plan - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to skill development plan

  • Skill Development Plan - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to skill development plan

  • Skill Development Plan - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to skill development plan

  • Skill Development Plan - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to skill development plan

  • Skill Development Plan - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to skill development plan

Project Management Techniques

Management strategies for rocketry projects.

Agile Development for Rocketry

  • Agile Development for Rocketry - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to agile development for rocketry

  • Agile Development for Rocketry - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to agile development for rocketry

  • Agile Development for Rocketry - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to agile development for rocketry

  • Agile Development for Rocketry - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to agile development for rocketry

  • Agile Development for Rocketry - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to agile development for rocketry

Documentation Systems

  • Documentation Systems - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to documentation systems

  • Documentation Systems - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to documentation systems

  • Documentation Systems - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to documentation systems

  • Documentation Systems - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to documentation systems

  • Documentation Systems - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to documentation systems

Communication Protocols

  • Communication Protocols - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to communication protocols

  • Communication Protocols - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to communication protocols

  • Communication Protocols - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to communication protocols

  • Communication Protocols - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to communication protocols

  • Communication Protocols - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to communication protocols

Progress Tracking

  • Progress Tracking - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to progress tracking

  • Progress Tracking - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to progress tracking

  • Progress Tracking - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to progress tracking

  • Progress Tracking - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to progress tracking

  • Progress Tracking - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to progress tracking

Resource Management

  • Resource Management - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to resource management

  • Resource Management - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to resource management

  • Resource Management - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to resource management

  • Resource Management - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to resource management

  • Resource Management - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to resource management

Risk Management

Approaches to identifying and mitigating project risks.

Risk Identification

  • Risk Identification - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to risk identification

  • Risk Identification - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to risk identification

  • Risk Identification - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to risk identification

  • Risk Identification - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to risk identification

  • Risk Identification - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to risk identification

Risk Assessment Matrix

  • Risk Assessment Matrix - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to risk assessment matrix

  • Risk Assessment Matrix - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to risk assessment matrix

  • Risk Assessment Matrix - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to risk assessment matrix

  • Risk Assessment Matrix - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to risk assessment matrix

  • Risk Assessment Matrix - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to risk assessment matrix

Mitigation Strategies

  • Mitigation Strategies - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to mitigation strategies

  • Mitigation Strategies - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to mitigation strategies

  • Mitigation Strategies - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to mitigation strategies

  • Mitigation Strategies - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to mitigation strategies

  • Mitigation Strategies - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to mitigation strategies

Contingency Planning

  • Contingency Planning - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to contingency planning

  • Contingency Planning - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to contingency planning

  • Contingency Planning - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to contingency planning

  • Contingency Planning - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to contingency planning

  • Contingency Planning - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to contingency planning

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

  • Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to failure mode and effects analysis (fmea)

  • Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to failure mode and effects analysis (fmea)

  • Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to failure mode and effects analysis (fmea)

  • Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to failure mode and effects analysis (fmea)

  • Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to failure mode and effects analysis (fmea)

Competition-Specific Planning

Planning for competition participation and documentation.

Technical Report Preparation

  • Technical Report Preparation - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to technical report preparation

  • Technical Report Preparation - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to technical report preparation

  • Technical Report Preparation - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to technical report preparation

  • Technical Report Preparation - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to technical report preparation

  • Technical Report Preparation - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to technical report preparation

Poster Session Planning

  • Poster Session Planning - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to poster session planning

  • Poster Session Planning - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to poster session planning

  • Poster Session Planning - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to poster session planning

  • Poster Session Planning - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to poster session planning

  • Poster Session Planning - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to poster session planning

Presentation Preparation

  • Presentation Preparation - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to presentation preparation

  • Presentation Preparation - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to presentation preparation

  • Presentation Preparation - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to presentation preparation

  • Presentation Preparation - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to presentation preparation

  • Presentation Preparation - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to presentation preparation

Logistics Planning

  • Logistics Planning - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to logistics planning

  • Logistics Planning - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to logistics planning

  • Logistics Planning - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to logistics planning

  • Logistics Planning - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to logistics planning

  • Logistics Planning - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to logistics planning

On-Site Operations Plan

  • On-Site Operations Plan - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to on-site operations plan

  • On-Site Operations Plan - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to on-site operations plan

  • On-Site Operations Plan - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to on-site operations plan

  • On-Site Operations Plan - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to on-site operations plan

  • On-Site Operations Plan - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to on-site operations plan

Weekly Breakdown with Tasks and Deliverables

Detailed weekly schedule with specific tasks and deliverables.

Research, Design, and Planning

  • Research, Design, and Planning - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to month 1: research, design, and planning

  • Research, Design, and Planning - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to month 1: research, design, and planning

  • Research, Design, and Planning - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to month 1: research, design, and planning

  • Research, Design, and Planning - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to month 1: research, design, and planning

Procurement, Manufacturing, and Subsystem Testing

  • Procurement, Manufacturing, and Subsystem Testing - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to month 2: procurement, manufacturing, and subsystem testing

  • Procurement, Manufacturing, and Subsystem Testing - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to month 2: procurement, manufacturing, and subsystem testing

  • Procurement, Manufacturing, and Subsystem Testing - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to month 2: procurement, manufacturing, and subsystem testing

  • Procurement, Manufacturing, and Subsystem Testing - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to month 2: procurement, manufacturing, and subsystem testing

Integration, Testing, and Competition Preparation

  • Integration, Testing, and Competition Preparation - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to month 3: integration, testing, and competition preparation

  • Integration, Testing, and Competition Preparation - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to month 3: integration, testing, and competition preparation

  • Integration, Testing, and Competition Preparation - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to month 3: integration, testing, and competition preparation

  • Integration, Testing, and Competition Preparation - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to month 3: integration, testing, and competition preparation

Resource Allocation

Management of project resources including budget, time, and facilities.

Budget Planning

  • Budget Planning - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to budget planning

  • Budget Planning - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to budget planning

  • Budget Planning - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to budget planning

  • Budget Planning - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to budget planning

  • Budget Planning - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to budget planning

Time Allocation

  • Time Allocation - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to time allocation

  • Time Allocation - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to time allocation

  • Time Allocation - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to time allocation

  • Time Allocation - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to time allocation

  • Time Allocation - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to time allocation

Facility Requirements

  • Facility Requirements - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to facility requirements

  • Facility Requirements - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to facility requirements

  • Facility Requirements - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to facility requirements

  • Facility Requirements - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to facility requirements

  • Facility Requirements - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to facility requirements

External Resources

  • External Resources - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to external resources

  • External Resources - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to external resources

  • External Resources - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to external resources

  • External Resources - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to external resources

  • External Resources - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to external resources

Resource Optimization

  • Resource Optimization - Introduction and Fundamentals: To understand and apply introduction and fundamentals related to resource optimization

  • Resource Optimization - Practical Applications: To understand and apply practical applications related to resource optimization

  • Resource Optimization - Technical Implementation: To understand and apply technical implementation related to resource optimization

  • Resource Optimization - Best Practices: To understand and apply best practices related to resource optimization

  • Resource Optimization - Key Principles: To understand and apply key principles related to resource optimization