Posts tagged Parachute

Just wanted to provide a quick update for everyone and let you know that Astdroid is moving along quite well. 

Last week I was able to complete a significant amount of work on the app.  It is now able to track, take timed photos (from both front and rear facing cameras), and post location updates to a website for live tracking.  The website side of thing still needs a little work, but it should be operational shortly.

As far as the craft itself, all the pieces are in place.  I recieved the recovery parachute I ordered from Rocketman and now have the last of the parts I’ve ordered.  Need to do some work on securing things, establishing windows, and insulating but that shouldn’t take too long.  Truthfully, I’ve seen successful projects succeed with much less so I feel good about the design and consideration we’ve used. 

I’m getting more and more confident in the app doing its job and the phone being the only necessary electronic component in having a successful and recoverable flight.  That being said, rather than risk a $600 phone I decided to buy a second-hand Spot GPS Tracker off my buddy for $150 as a form of insurance.  With it riding alongside Astdroid, should the app fail we will not only be able to recover the phone via Spot, but also learn what may have gone wrong and fix any software mistakes.

The list of what remains to be done before launch is pretty slim at this point.  I’m looking forward to announcing a launch date soon!  Stay tuned!