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Since late June of 2024, we have been working towards the next flight of the giant Invictus rocket. Despite various setbacks, design difficulties, and launch site selection issues, we are finally nearing the end of preparations ahead of launch. Most required items for the launch have been completed, and the final preparations are underway.
Flight Computer Updates
After months of design work and waiting, the Invictus Flight Computer (IFC) parts have finally all been ordered. So far, we have received the core computer (PJRC Teensy 4.1), the dual gyroscopes/accelerometers (MPU-6050 GY-521), and the barometer for altitude measurement (GY-BMP280). Soon, the remaining parts, consisting of power supply components and various other power control hardware will arrive for the IFC. Below is the latest computer schematic.
The three sensing units (BMP280, MPU6050x2) have been installed onto the Flight Computer Plate that will be housed inside the Avbay (Avionics Bay). The carriage for the Teensy 4.1 has also been installed onto the plate. Final construction of the IFC will begin once the ignition circuit, wires, and various power supply components arrive.
The 3 sensor chips in the photo above or to the left are the dual MPUs on the left side, and the BMP on the right side. The Teensy carriage sits under these chips.
Programming has finally also begun in earnest for the IFC. Onkla SXC has been working to the extent of what is reasonable without testable components, and is currently waiting for the IFC to be complete before continuing the programming. This is due to the very experimental nature of programming. By testing the code as it is written, the final product will be much more polished and less time will have to be spent debugging. This is the longest lead time item for the next flight of Invictus.
With the flight computer updates out of the way, lets move on to the first installation of components into Invictus 2!
First Components Installed Into Airframe
The first component to be installed into the airframe of the Flight 2 Invictus is the Forward Bulkhead, installed in the bottom of the Avbay. Attached to the bulkheads loop is the shock cord, which the large parachute that will hopefully support Invictus on its way down to the ground will attach to. This part was epoxied in. After consideration, all parts for Flight 2 will be epoxied in. Screwed in parts will debut on a later flight.
Second to be installed was the first stage's Mount. This mount, so far, has only actually been tacked in place with 3 small dabs of super glue. This is to allow it to be detached if the position is not optimal. This mount will eventually support 25 pounds of thrust from a G80 motor. It will also be epoxied in place, however this will happen on both sides, only once the motor arrives. The installation of this mount is a pivotal step towards flight of the rocket.
Launch Site Selection
A new launch site, different from that used in Invictus Flight 1, has been selected for Flight 2. The launch site of Flight 1 was actually an active construction area, which was on pause during launch day. Since it has been nearly a year since Invictus first took to the skies, this launch site is now unsuitable. It features many more people present, more active work, and structures under construction. For this reason, we have switched to our first ever private launch site, which brings various benefits. It allows more freedom to the launch dates, more extended equipment setup periods (very important for a rocket like this), and crucially privacy. This launch site is located near Granville, Ohio. Since we will have access to Wi-Fi, and have more time to set up, we will be able to have a high quality live stream.
Timeline for Flight
With a new launch site, slow programming progress, and a lot of variables, it's looking like Invictus Flight 2 will launch towards the end of Q1, nearing the end of March. It is also possible for a date after this to be our launch date. However, do take all of these predictions with a grain of salt. In rocketry, no date is certain until it becomes the day the rocket lifts off.
Stay tuned, and see you for the next Invictus Update!
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