Due to unfavorable weather conditions, we were unable to work on the PSCC (Parachute System Control Computer) and instead performed some much needed upgrades to the PTP-1 (Parachute Test Payload, Gen 1).
The PTP-1 (pictured above) was built to flight test the parachute system without risking damage to expensive equipment in the event of a parachute failure. To achieve this goal, we had to sacrifice some capabilities. These sacrifices meant that the PTP-1 was capable of flying only a limited number of tests. Also, at the time of the PTP-1 test, the drop system was mounted to the FTS (Flight Test System). This was a inefficient design and after this test the drop system was removed from the payload (read more about this here).
Using new construction techniques developed during the design of the GTP-2 (Guidance Test Payload, Gen 2) we made several modifications to the PTP-1. These consist of:
- Adding a downwards facing camera to record from another angle during flight.
- Installing a new drop system to support the removal of said system from the FTS.
- Replacing the foam board internal electronics mount with a 3D printed version.
- Designing and printing a new parachute segment to increase the PTP’s cargo space for PSCC mounting.
All these upgrades make the PTP-2 (seen above) a more reusable, reliable and modular PTP that will allow us to easily test the PSCC in flight.