EUREKA Rocket Launch Team – LASERHAWK Competition Rocket

Programming lead for avionics and data logging systems on a 5-foot competition rocket that won 1st place at the 2024 NSBE National Convention Boeing Rocket Launch Competition

Overview

This project involved the design, development, and launch of a custom high-power rocket as part of the EUREKA Rocket Launch Team, the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE).

The team designed and launched a 5-foot competition rocket called LASERHAWK for the 2024 NSBE National Convention Boeing Rocket Launch Competition, where our team placed 1st nationally.

As the Programming Lead, I was responsible for the development of the rocket’s avionics data collection and analysis system, enabling precise flight tracking and post-flight performance evaluation.

Rocket System Architecture

The LASERHAWK rocket incorporated a modular avionics stack designed to capture flight telemetry during launch and recovery. The onboard system integrated:

  • GPS modules for real-time positional tracking
  • Microcontroller-based data loggers
  • Sensor data storage for post-flight analysis
  • Embedded algorithms for range estimation and trajectory reconstruction

These subsystems enabled the team to collect high-resolution flight data to validate rocket performance and assist with recovery operations.

Avionics and Data Logging Software

My primary contribution focused on the software architecture for onboard flight data acquisition.

The avionics system was built using Arduino-based microcontrollers programmed in C++, enabling efficient embedded data collection under the dynamic conditions of rocket flight.

Key programming responsibilities included:

  • Development of data logging firmware for onboard avionics
  • Integration of GPS telemetry for position tracking
  • Implementation of range estimation algorithms
  • Synchronization of sensor data streams for flight analysis
  • Optimization of embedded code for reliability during high-vibration launch environments

The resulting system enabled the collection of flight data used to analyze rocket trajectory and verify mission performance.

Flight Testing and Competition

The LASERHAWK rocket underwent multiple test iterations prior to competition to ensure reliability of both the mechanical and avionics systems.

At the 2024 NSBE National Convention, the EUREKA team successfully launched the rocket as part of the Boeing Rocket Launch Competition, where teams are evaluated on engineering design, performance, and flight execution.

The project culminated in the team achieving 1st place nationally among competing universities.

Key Contributions

  • Programming Lead for the rocket avionics system
  • Designed and implemented Arduino/C++ data logging software
  • Developed GPS-based tracking and range estimation algorithms
  • Supported integration and testing of avionics hardware
  • Contributed to a nationally ranked competition rocket program

Takeaways

This project provided hands-on experience with embedded systems, avionics programming, and flight data analysis in a real aerospace engineering environment. It required coordinating software development with mechanical design, testing procedures, and launch operations under strict competition constraints.

The experience strengthened my skills in embedded programming, sensor integration, and aerospace system development, while contributing to a successful national competition outcome.

Tools and Technologies

  • Arduino
  • C++
  • Embedded systems programming
  • GPS telemetry integration
  • Data logging systems
  • Rocket avionics design