Scarlet Gimbaled Rocket Design and Launch Report

Thrust vector control (TVC) is commonly used in rocketry to enhance vehicle stability. Active stabilization can be achieved through various TVC methods, including gimbaling the rocket motor. Gimbaling involves pivoting the motor to induce a moment along the pitch and yaw axes to change the attitude of the rocket. The GNC Project in the Ramblin’ Rocket Club aims to design, build, and launch a low-powered rocket that is stabilized using a gimbaled mechanical guidance system. The gimbal consists of two servos that are connected via linkages to a ball and socket joint that allows for actuation of the motor about the pitch and yaw axes. The gimbal receives servo input from a custom flight computer which uses an IMU and microcontroller in a closed loop system. All components were built in-house, including the 3D-printed internal components and ground-up PCB design. A simulation was also created to assist in tuning the controller and analyzing the projected flight performance. This rocket is an improved version of a gimbaled rocket designed and launched by the GNC project in the previous year. The current design is the result of multiple cycles of iteration throughout the design process. This rocket sets a process for testing a TVC system that will be used in future larger-scale TVC designs by the GNC Project. This paper outlines the redesign process, software development, simulations, manufacturing, and testing of a gimbaled motor rocket in a collegiate environment.