This CanSat doubles as a drone to gradual descents

A CanSat is a small sensor payload, concerning the dimension of a soda can, designed to be launched on a mannequin rocket to comparatively low altitudes of round 1km. However whereas that isn’t anyplace near leaving the ambiance, it is vitally excessive and CanSats want a solution to get again to the bottom safely. Most use parachutes, however John of the I Construct Stuff YouTube channel gave his CanSat the flexibility to remodel right into a drone with a view to obtain gradual, managed descents.

The aim of a CanSat is to assemble knowledge affordably. The longer it’s within the air, the extra knowledge it may collect. By making his CanSat fly like drone, John was capable of maximize its time within the air. That additionally permits for managed touchdown, so the CanSat can landing at a desired location — reasonably than drifting wherever the wind blows, as is the case with conventional parachutes.

As a result of John needed to maintain the CanSat inside that can-sized envelope, he designed the arms to fold down for launch. After the rocket reaches its apex and the CanSat separates, a servo-actuated mechanism deploys the arms. These arms assist tiny motors and rotors.

Many of the remainder of the digital {hardware} is typical for a DIY drone, however John’s CanSat does have some distinctive parts. There’s a DJI FPV video transmission for real-time video, which is useful for guiding the drone. And there’s an Arduino Nano board to assemble knowledge from the provisioned sensors. John can swap out sensor modules to go well with a specific mission’s targets and the Arduino will monitor them, then both transmit the info again to a floor station or document it for later retrieval.

Apart from some minor piloting errors, John’s first check launch was successful and the CanSat-Drone carried out properly — each as a rocket-propelled sensor platform and as a drone.