How Does This Rocket Know Where It Is? Active Control Flight Computer - Building DIAMOND-X Part 3

Published at : 23 Dec 2025

This flight computer is the brains of DIAMOND-X, and does guidance, navigation, and control. I built these flight computers specifically for actively controlled rockets, and they are the most compact circuit boards I've ever designed. Let's talk about all the chips on these, how I came up with the requirements for the computers, and a little about the flight software.

#aerospace #avionics #rocketry #rockets #pcb #software

In the US, there are no specific legal restrictions on actively controlling a model rocket! If you would like to get started in active control, the r/Rocketry discord is a great place to get started and to learn active control from the experts. Make sure you check your local laws if outside the US, and always keep safety the #1 priority at launches.

PCB Design Resources:

Phil's Lab:
https://www.youtube.com/@PhilsLab

Altium Academy:
https://www.youtube.com/@AltiumAcademy

NOTE: I am not planning a release of any documents related to CAD, PCBs or software.

Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:24 Project Overview
1:50 Flight Computer Deep Dive
8:44 Requirements Definition
10:11 Flight Software
16:50 What's Next?


Dreams:
Music by Bensound.com/royalty-free-music
License code: OO4AORYDGTZOJBVA

Evolution:
Music I use: Bensound
License code: GYPUSTIIZZLRXJXN