CanSat

Timeline of Events

When are the critical parts of the 8 month project?

November, Year 1

Team Creation and Registration

Teams are created and registered. Teams then immediately begin work on Hardware, Software, Electrical Design, and Preliminary Design Review.

End of February, Year 2

Preliminary Design Review and Teleconference

At this point, the preliminary design review is due. By now the teams are expected to have a concept in mind and have done testing to verify that their designs are realistic. After submitting the PDR, the teams are expected to present the, often 120+ slide, presentation in 30 minutes with time to answer questions. Teams are expected to pivot over to CDR and design finalization.

End of March, Year 2

Critical Design Review and Teleconference

After rocket, drone, and environmental testing, teams are expected to have their designs fleshed out, prototyped, and in the final construction stages. Custom Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are made, software and the ground stations are well under way.

Early June, Year 2

Pre-Flight Day

Between CDR and Pre-Flight day, teams are expected to make final adjustments to design and create documentation for their payload. Documentation includes: Mission Operations Manual, Payload Integration Instructions, and Team Checklists. The payload must pass Pre-Flight checks to be able to fly the next day. Preflight takes place at Tarleton University in Stephensville, Tx.

Day After Pre-Flight Day, Year 2

Flight Day

Having passed Pre-Flight, the teams are allowed to be integrated into the rocket for flight. Ground stations are prepared and the team readies themselves to recover the rocket. It's make or break time for the teams.

Final Day of Competition

Post-Flight Review

Today is the day to show what was learned from the launch. The PFR is prepared the night after the rocket launch and the teams must now present. Whether the flight was a success, or less than optimal, the lessons learned are presented.