Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

The PSCC (Parachute System Control Computer) is a small computer that will be used to deploy the parachutes at a preset altitude. A few months ago, we performed the first flight test of this system. This test recovered useful data but also revealed that the GPS (a vital PSCC sensor) was reporting an incorrect altitude…

Project AVOID Part 3; Inclines

Project AVOID Part 3; Inclines

Part 2 With the development and testing of the AVOID (Attenuating Vehicular Obstacle Interference Design) rock avoidance sensor complete, we moved onto the next sensor; one that could detect inclines. The specifications of these inclines are described in the challenge guidelines as: Slopes greater than 30 degrees (either up or down hill) herox.com Research into…

Project AVOID Part 2; Rocks

Project AVOID Part 2; Rocks

Part 1 With the GTP (Ground Test Payload) completed and ready for use, we can now start with the development of the AVOID (Attenuating Vehicular Obstacle Interference Design) sensors. Fortunately, the challenge presents a list of hazards that the sensors must detect: After consulting this list, we selected the 2nd hazard to start with. We…

Project X; an Intro

Project X; an Intro

On February 18, 2020, NASA launched a challenge: Exploring Hell: Avoiding Obstacles on a Clockwork Rover. This challenge asks contestants to provide designs for a low tech obstacle avoidance system suitable for use on a Venus rover. The prize for winning this challenge is $15,000. At this point Ether Aerospace runs on a extremely small…

FTS Upgrade

FTS Upgrade

After our most recent FTS (Flight Test System) test flight it became apparent that a new method of attaching payloads to the FTS was needed. Originally, payloads were attached to the FTS via the drop system which was mounted below the FTS, but with the removal of the drop system from the FTS we were…

Altimeter

Altimeter

In the past few weeks we have made significant progress with both the GTP (Guidance Test Payload) and PSCC (Parachute System Control Computer). This continues to bring us closer to the first test flight of the GTP. With the arrival of new 3D printing material (filament) we were able to print the rest of the…

Electronics

Electronics

We have been continuing our preparations for the first test flight of the GTP (Guidance Test Payload) that will signal the start of the development of the guidance system. Our efforts in the past weeks have been focused in three different areas. First, with the completion of the internal parachute module and the painting of…