Autonomous flight & landing of a full-scale rocket vehicle requires advanced controls algorithms. Built to be a mini version of our lander, ASTRA allow us to test and improve our control solutions at lower cost and stakes. The latest version of ASTRA features a gimbaled, contra-rotating motor, custom designed flight computer & carbon-fiber nylon 3D-printed frame parts.
ASTRA v2 successfully in May 2026, and we look forward to bringing the knowledge and experience we gained to developing our full-size lander TOAD’s controls algorithm.
V1
ASTRA v1 was PSP-AC’s very first project. The vehicle utilized an electric ducted fan (EDF) for propulsion. Controls were intended to be done by a gimbaling nozzle and torque vanes inside the air duct.
Unfortunately, the performance of the platform proved inadequate, leading to the design of ASTRA v2.
V2
ASTRA v2 featured a significantly lighter frame with carbon fiber rods and optimized printed parts. Propulsion was now provided by a contra-rotating propeller motor. The gimbal went through many iterations, with the flight version using a simple direct servo drive design. A newly designed, fully-custom flight computer was also crucial to ASTRA’s success.
Through continuous testing, the Controls team managed to bring ASTRA from struggling in tether tests to performing waypoint flights & landings with great accuracy.
Sponsorship
Interested in supporting us?
Learn more about how you can partner with us in our sponsorship information packet.
