| Event | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Announce software competition | 3/8/21 | 4/22/21 |
| Run signups for all potential teams | 3/5/21 | 5/7/21 |
| Run PX4 and simulation webinars | 3/28/21 | 5/21/21 |
| Finalize teams and notify | 5/12/21 | 5/17/21 |
| Run software challenge (6 weeks) | 5/24/21 | 7/01/21 |
| Finalize and contact winners | 7/02/21 | 7/09/21 |
| Ship out LEAPFROG vehicle kits | 7/15/21 | 7/26/21 |
| Run vehicle-building bootcamps & exhibition flights | 7/28/21 | 8/11/21 |
The software challenge has run and a winner was selected, congratulations!
The following documents and links show the webinar recordings that described the challenge and how to execute, and the documents are archived for those wishing to review and/or create their own in the future.
Webinar 1 (April 7th at 1 pm PST): Overview
Recording
This webinar introduced an overview of the LEAPFROG Competition as a whole, and the software required to setup your simulation environment. This included the basics of PX4, ROS, Gazebo, and MavRos.
Webinar 2 (April 30th at 1 pm PST): Simulation Setup
Recording
In this webinar, you and your team will learn how to add new plugins to the PX4 Software specific for the LEAPFROG vehicle and simulation, and how to link the various software elements together. The software team will provide more detailed instructions on setting up the simulation environment, and how it operates.
Webinar 3 (May 12th at 1 pm PST): Simulation Modifications
Recording
In this webinar we will introduce you in how to modify the behavior of the LEAPFROG vehicle within the simulation, and you will also be learning about our competition scoring rubric.
Webinar 4 (May 21st at 1 pm PST): Scoring Criteria and Challenge Goals
Recording
In this last webinar we will go through the scoring criteria, show an initial “lunar world” with craters for your use, and describe how you upload your code/algorithms to the Software Challenge Github when you have completed your challenge results. We also will describe how winners/participants will get kits upon the final scoring and notification!
Following the software challenge’s conclusion, the top-ranking teams around the nation will receive full lander kits (without the jet engine) which includes all parts needed to construct a full Artemis LEAPFROG prototype vehicle. Subsequently, a summer “boot camp” will walk teams through the construction of their vehicles. The boot camps will also provide information and ideas on how each team can develop infrastructure to conduct attitude control testing to validate their control algorithms developed in the software challenge on their own “air bearing” fixtures.
Additional Documentation Available for Download:
Detailed Software Environment Setup
Webinar 1 Slides
Webinar 2 Slides
Webinar 3 Slides
Webinar 4 Slides
Introduction to Simulation Systems Overview
Introduction to Simulation Tools Overview
Simulation Software Setup Instructions
Summer 2021
For more information see Registration.
During Summer 2021, the winners/competitors in the software challenge will each receive a complete LEAPFROG lunar lander kit (except for the jet engine)! The LEAPFROG team will hold a series of building boot camps that will guide each of the teams through the assembly, construction, and integration of their vehicle. The LEAPFROG team will provide input on how to develop a simple lab-based “air bearing” test stand to actually test the vehicle and showcase each team's ACS code! In parallel, the LEAPFROG team will run actual exhibition flights that will be live-streamed to all teams to give them direct understanding of how the vehicle flies and operates using the code and software they developed.
Vehicle Build and Test Updates
The first static hold down test of the vehicle avionics, structure and jet engine was run in late April! The engine fired up completely autonomously through onboard avionics and ground commands, and verification of basic control and data transmission to the ground station worked correctly. The team also verified ACS commands to the valves worked and calibrate pressure drop at the valves and power draw on the vehicles batteries.
Watch them here! (Turn up the volume on the video, it’s a real jet engine!)
ARTEMIS LEAPFROG First Ground Test April 2021-Profile View
ARTEMIS LEAPFROG First Ground Test April 2021-Ground View
Stay tuned for more information!
