7–11 Jul 2025
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg
Africa/Johannesburg timezone
Registration open until 20 May 2025

Reconfigurable Payload Power Management System for Rockets

Not scheduled
1h
Solomon Mahlangu House (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg)

Solomon Mahlangu House

University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

Oral Presentation Track F - Applied Physics Applied Physics

Speaker

Marco Mariola (University of KwaZulu-Natal)

Description

In general, a rocket's onboard systems, including payloads, must be harmonized within the overall system. In some cases, payloads with an autonomous power system, including batteries, must be activated shortly before or after launch to keep the mission active for the required time. The sizing of power switches must be done according to the power requirements of the payloads, and it is also necessary to size the connections between the parts to limit issues related to ground loops. If the payload specifications change, reconfiguring or resizing the Power Management System (PMS) board may be necessary, but it is not strictly required.

The proposed system has been designed to be reconfigurable and geometrically symmetric to maintain the center of mass on the rocket's symmetric axis. Once inserted into the rocket's nose cone, the system is completely powered off and can be activated remotely using a wireless system. Once activated, the Payload Power Management System (PMS) will be able to receive RF instructions and activate or deactivate payloads according to mission requirements.

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Primary author

Marco Mariola (University of KwaZulu-Natal)

Co-author

Mr Tyrone Swanepoel (Aerospace Systems Research Institute)

Presentation materials

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