Flight Phases

There are 4 main phases of each launch. The phases are distinguished by the primary objectives of the flight computer during certain times.

PHASE 0: ONPAD

The ONPAD phase begins as soon as the flight computer is powered on, and continues until a few moments before launch. The primary objectives during the ONPAD phase include calibrating sensors and ensuring flight hardware is operating nominally.

PHASE 1: ASCENDING

The ASCENDING phase begins a few moments before booster ignition, and continues until a few moments after apogee. The primary objectives during the ASCENDING phase include sampling and recording data from all sensors at a high frequency, using gyroscope data to determine attitude, detecting apogee, and transmitting telemetry to a ground station. Some future objectives may include determining velocity and predicting apogee.

PHASE 2: DESCENDING

The DESCENDING phase begins a few moments after apogee, and continues until after touchdown. The primary objectives during the DESCENDING phase include writing all flight data to the SD card, recording altimeter and GPS data, and transmitting telemetry to a ground station.

PHASE 3: POST_FLIGHT

The POST_FLIGHT phase begins after touchdown, and continues until the flight computer is powered off. The primary objectives of the POST_FLIGHT phase include power conservation and transmitting GPS data to a ground station.