Astronav: Telemetry & Tracking for Model Rockets

Astronav is a custom-designed electronics solution for collecting, transmitting, and visualizing flight data from model rockets. The system consists of two main components: the Astronav flight board (payload) and the ground base station. Together, they form a compact and reliable telemetry system that transmits critical flight information in real time.

Astronav Flight Board (Payload)

The Astronav flight board is mounted inside the rocket and built with a focus on reliability, compact size, and high performance. Key features include:

• Live sensor data: Measures altitude, acceleration, air pressure, and orientation using onboard sensors.
• LoRa communication: Sends data wirelessly to the base station using efficient LoRa technology—ideal for long-range, low-power communication.
• Launch and apogee detection: Software automatically detects launch, peak altitude (apogee), and can trigger events like parachute deployment.
• Modular design: Expandable with optional modules such as GPS or data loggers, depending on the mission profile.

Base Station

The base station receives live telemetry during the rocket’s flight and provides an interface for monitoring in real time. Key features include:

• Handheld form factor: Portable, battery-powered design with a built-in display.
• Real-time monitoring: Displays live data such as altitude, velocity, and system status.
• Data logging: Optionally logs flight data locally for later analysis.
• Search mode: Helps locate the rocket after landing using signal strength and direction indicators.

Applications & Audience

Astronav is designed with education, experimentation, and safety in mind. It’s ideal for:

• Student and classroom rocket projects
• Hobbyist rocketry and model flight tracking
• Educational STEM demonstrations and outreach events

Built to Expand — For Makers and DIYers

Astronav is designed to grow with your projects. While it comes fully functional out of the box, it also supports custom expansion modules — connected easily via a flat cable interface. These modules are designed specifically for Astronav and allow you to add new features or sensors without modifying the main board.

You can:

• Add a Real-Time Clock (RTC) module for precise flight timing
• Design your own custom module in EasyEDA and plug it in
• Use the available pins (I2C, UART, GPIO, power) for your own creations
• Modify the code — written in the Arduino environment — to support new hardware

More plug-and-play modules are in development, but the system is already open for DIY expansion. Whether you’re building a science payload, experimenting with telemetry, or adding environmental sensors, Astronav gives you the freedom to innovate.

What the Astronav Flight Controller Can Do

The Astronav flight controller is the brain of your model rocket. It keeps track of everything that happens during a flight — from the moment the rocket launches until it safely returns to the ground. It’s small, powerful, and packed with features that make rocket launches more exciting, educational, and reliable.

Here’s what it can do:

Detect Launch Automatically — or Start It Remotely

Astronav can detect launch automatically by sensing sudden acceleration — perfect for traditional liftoffs. But it also supports remote launch control: you can start a countdown from the base station, and Astronav will activate its pyro channels to ignite the rocket electronically. Whether you’re launching manually or remotely, the system is ready to go.

Measure Height & Orientation

Using a built-in pressure sensor, Astronav can measure how high the rocket flies. It also uses a special sensor (BNO055) to track the rocket’s angle and movement, so you can see exactly how it moved during flight.

Detect Apogee & Trigger Parachute

It automatically detects when the rocket reaches its highest point (called apogee) and can trigger a parachute or other recovery system — so your rocket comes back safely.

Send Live Data to the Ground

While your rocket is flying, Astronav sends real-time data back to the base station using LoRa radio. You can follow the flight live and even search for the rocket if it lands far away.

Monitor Battery and Power Usage

Astronav includes a built-in voltage sensor, so it can measure the battery level during the flight. This helps you keep track of how much power the system is using and ensures everything runs safely.

Store and Share Flight Data

You can choose to log flight data for later analysis — perfect for school projects, competitions, or improving your next launch.

Older version of AstroNav software as showcase