The AGSE is an autonomous launch tower designed to pick up a sample payload, insert it into the rocket, raise the rocket to launch position, and install the motor igniter.
It is a welded aluminum assembly weighing under 150 lbs and successfully completed its mission in the 2015–2016 NASA Centennial Challenge.
Design Overview
The station includes a robotic arm, igniter installer, and vehicle lifter actuated autonomously through a central microcontroller. It also features a Human Machine Interface panel with a touchscreen GUI on a Raspberry Pi.
As electrical lead, I was responsible for harnessing, circuit design, and software for mission automation.
Main Controller
The main controller commands AGSE subsystems and includes an Arduino Mega, custom PCB shield, and multiple H-bridge motor controllers.
Custom PCB Shield
During this project I learned EagleCAD for PCB design and also learned board manufacturing workflows through a rapid prototyping facility near the university.