Power and Electronics in Autonomous Glider for Sounding Rocket Experiments

Abstract: The aim of this bachelor’s thesis is to design theelectronics for an autonomous glider to be used in a soundingrocket experiment with return to launch site functionality. Theelectronics includes a battery solution, servos and a hardwareplatform for communication and control software. All of theseparts need to be suited for a specified form factor and someextreme environments such as low temperature and vacuum. Theelectronics have been designed based on calculations for powerconsumption and temperature dependency. The system had to bepower efficient since the space for batteries is limited. Servos werecustom designed with motors and drivers to optimize both spaceand efficiency. Based on testing, simulations and calculations ofthe design the following can be concluded. The proposed systemhas the capability to meet the requirements to control and flythe glider all the way back to launch site even in a worstcasescenario. Thus an electronics system for the autonomousglider solution is feasible even with the strict requirements andconditions.