Virtual Booth

Rocket launch pads demand precise alignment to facilitate safe and reliable launch operations. Nevertheless, conventional alignment and monitoring systems can be sophisticated and prohibitively expensive, particularly for educational and small-scale applications. This project introduces SMART LAUNCH ANGLE, an affordable pre-launch alignment system that employs a single MPU6050 sensor to monitor the inclination of a rocket launch pad.

Integrated with an Arduino microcontroller, the MPU6050 continuously measures the orientation of a spring-supported launch-pad model. The system processes sensor readings to determine the platform’s tilt angle, which is displayed instantaneously on an LCD. This provides an accessible indication of the launch pad’s alignment. When the measured angle falls within a predetermined acceptable range, the display indicates “READY”. If the platform deviates beyond this range, the system displays “ADJUST”, signalling that corrective alignment is required before the launch simulation can proceed.

The spring-supported structure enables controlled movement, allowing the prototype to demonstrate how changes in platform orientation can be detected. By integrating inexpensive components with electronics and real-time feedback, SMART LAUNCH ANGLE demonstrates that effective alignment monitoring can be achieved without relying on costly equipment.

Ultimately, the innovation provides an accessible foundation for low-cost aerospace monitoring applications, prioritising precision, affordability, simplicity, and usability.