The avionics are the brain of the electronic system. Its main processor is a powerful Raspberry Pi Computer 3. This small 7 x 3 cm microprocessor is more powerful than anything ever flown on a DARE mission. With the Raspberry Pi advanced real time algorithms can be used to process the sensor data and perform a state estimation of the capsule. In addition, it will process the video signal from the high definition on board camera.
The power system contains the batteries that power the SPEAR experiment. The peak power operation if all systems are turned on simultaneously can reach an astounding 50W. Roughly the same power consumption as a small laptop.
Several sensors are present inside the SPEAR capsule. An inertial measurement unit and pressure sensor are used to determine the position and altitude of the experiment. Multiple load cells measure the load of the drogue parachute and a heat flux sensor measures the thermal conditions of the shell of the capsule. Also included in the sensor system are two cameras, one on board high definition camera that will capture the deployment of the parachutes and one camera that remains on REXUS and will capture the moment of separation.
The actuators of the electronic system activate the deployment mechanisms of both parachutes. In total there are four deployment systems, one for the pilot parachute, one for the drogue parachute and one each for the two main parachutes.