Flight Computer

Context

Dual deployment requires electronic altimeter to fire ejection charges at correct altitudes. Alternative is single deployment using motor delay.

Equipment Ordered

• CATS Vega - Flight computer
• CATS Ground Station - Telemetry receiver

Why CATS

Fully Open Source - hardware designs in Altium format. This fits my background perfectly. Could copy designs and order own PCBs, but purchased to support the project.

Shipping Status

Package shipping from Switzerland, may arrive too late for 24 Jan launch.

• Swiss Post tracking
• Omniva tracking (Estonia)

Decision: Pending

Option A: Motor Delay (Simple)

Single chute deployment using motor ejection delay. Often recommended for L1 certification to keep it failproof.

Pros:

• Simpler, fewer failure modes
• Traditional L1 approach
• No electronics dependency

Option B: Electronic Dual Deployment

Use CATS Vega for drogue at apogee, main at lower altitude.

Pros:

• Closer-to-pad recovery (what Peregrine is designed for)
• Decades of sensor/actuator experience gives me an edge
• Arguably safer for someone with electronics background

Cons:

• More complexity for certification flight
• Equipment may not arrive in time

Outcome

If CATS arrives in time → likely go electronic dual deployment

If not → motor delay single deployment