I started this project as I thought it would be a fun engineering problem that I could work on over the long term, and it proved to be a great learning experience. I am currently building the 5th version of the rocket.

Before building the first version of the rocket, I had to figure out the best position measurement device for the rocket. I tried barometric altimeters which were especially inaccurate when measuring altitude while the rocket is experiencing high relative wind speeds when it is zooming upwards. I decided to rely on a centimeter-level accurate LIDAR sensor.

Version 1 of the model rocket was a cardboard and wooden made rocket that used four estes solid fuel boosters for ascent. It used a LIDAR module and a measurement noise suppression algorithm run on an Arduino to figure the altitude of the rocket. The Arduino was tied to an electromagnetic relay that would ignite the descent engine. This version was not able to leave the launchpad during launch due to launchpad friction.

While building Version 2, I bought a 3D printer, and learned how to 3D print custom parts using CAD software. Over Versions 2-4 I progressively adjusted the structural design of the rocket to be more compact, and easier to launch. These Versions focused solely on the ascent of the rocket. Version 4 achieved the first successful ascent launch reaching an altitude of ~750 feet. Rocket versions 3 and above were fully 3D printed model rockets.

I am currently on Version 5, a new design that is much more slim than previous versions. It will carry a LIDAR unit, Arduino, electromagnetic relay, 5V battery and 4 AA Batteries for descent engine ignition. It will attempt a landing using these mentioned components, from an expected ~500 feet of altitude. I am also developing a Thrust Vector Control module to control the descent engine of the rocket.