The Avionics Team is responsible for the electronics, software and communication systems required to operate and monitor the rocket and ground station. This includes power distribution, flight computers, communication between subsystems, telemetry, sensors, propulsion and recovery control.

Technical Areas

The Avionics Team covers a wide range of technical areas, including:

• PCB Design: Designing, assembling and testing PCBs for different rocket subsystems.
• Circuit Design: Developing circuits for power, sensing, communication and control.
• Embedded Software: Developing and debugging software for microcontrollers, flight computers and sensors.
• Testing and Integration: Developing test setups and carrying out component, subsystem and full system testing.
• Telemetry and RF: Developing communication systems and antennas for the rocket and ground station.
• Mechanical Design: Designing avionics mounting, the avionics bay and electrical/mechanical interfaces.
• Documentation: Maintaining schematics, CAD, software, test procedures and technical documentation.

Useful Skills

Experience with the following skills and software is relevant:

• PCB and circuit design (KiCad)
• C++ and Python (Arduino IDE, CircuitPython)
• Embedded systems and microcontrollers
• RF and antenna design (ANSYS HFSS)
• Power electronics, battery management and charging systems
• Electronics assembly, soldering and hardware testing
• CAD and mechanical design

Team Requirements

Students with an interest in electronics, embedded systems, software, or RF and telemetry are particularly encouraged to apply, though students from all engineering disciplines are welcome to join.

No previous avionics experience is required. The main requirements are a willingness to learn, an interest in hands on hardware and testing, and the ability to commit a few hours each week.