Development and Flight Validation of Low-Cost Rocket Roll Control System

This paper presents the design, development, and flight-test validation of a low-cost, canard-based rocket roll control system, demonstrating an end-to-end process for achieving aerodynamic control capabilities using low-cost, consumer-grade components. The control architecture employs a classical three-loop autopilot framework with time-based gain scheduling, validated using six-degree-of-freedom simulations to ensure stability throughout the rocket’s flight. Designed for cost efficiency and ease of manufacturing, the system incorporates additive manufacturing for various structural components and commercial off-the-shelf servo motors and sensors. Implemented on a Raspberry Pi 4 Model B microcomputer, the system was successfully flight tested on an amateur high-power rocket, demonstrating effective roll control. This work establishes a foundation for a low-cost rocket platform with integrated roll, pitch, yaw, and guidance control, supporting military and commercial research as well as broader operational and developmental applications.