Firmware update

Firmware updates install new software on the AstroNav Nano flight controller. Disconnect all hazardous hardware before updating.

Disconnect hazardous hardware

Before connecting the AstroNav Nano to USB, disconnect the battery, E-match, pyro charge, launch hardware, and any other hazardous loads. Keep them disconnected until the update and restart are complete.

Choose an update method

Use Method 1 whenever possible. Use Method 2 if AstroNav MC cannot update the device or if you need to install a specific release manually.

Method 1 — Automatic update with AstroNav MC

AstroNav MC checks for a newer firmware version and can download and install it for you. This is the recommended method.

Method 1: Update with AstroNav MC

AstroNav Mission Control checks for firmware updates when it connects to the flight controller over USB.

1. Install or open AstroNav MC.
2. Connect the USB interface PCB to your computer with a USB-C data cable.
3. Connect the AstroNav Nano to the USB interface PCB.
4. Wait for AstroNav MC to detect the device.
5. If a newer firmware version is available, AstroNav MC displays an update prompt.
6. Select Install in the prompt.

AstroNav MC downloads the update and flashes it to the flight controller automatically. The device then takes a short time to restart. When it has restarted and AstroNav MC shows it as connected again, it is ready to use.

For normal use, this is the recommended update method. See AstroNav MC installation for help installing the application or connecting the device.

Method 2 — Manual UF2 update

Enter bootloader mode, download a .uf2 firmware file, and drag it onto the RP2350 drive. The board then disconnects and updates itself.

Method 2: Manual UF2 update

1. Enter bootloader mode

1. Disconnect the AstroNav Nano and all hazardous hardware.
2. Press and hold the BOOT button on the USB interface PCB.
3. While holding BOOT, connect the USB interface PCB to your computer with a USB-C data cable.
4. Release BOOT after the computer detects the board.

The computer should show a removable drive named RP2350. This is the flight controller bootloader drive.

Use the correct drive

The RP2350 drive is the flight controller. Do not copy the firmware to the normal AstroNav Nano storage drive.

2. Download the firmware

1. Open the AstroNav Nano releases page.
2. Open the release you want to install.
3. Download the flight-controller .uf2 file from the release assets.

3. Copy the UF2 file

Drag the downloaded .uf2 file into the RP2350 drive.

After the file finishes copying, the RP2350 drive disconnects automatically and the board updates itself. Wait for the update and restart to finish before reconnecting or using the device.

If the drive does not appear, check Troubleshooting and confirm that you held BOOT while plugging in the USB-C cable.

After the update

1. Wait until the flight controller has restarted.
2. Reconnect it normally over USB.
3. Open AstroNav MC and confirm that the device is detected.
4. Review Device settings and verify that the expected configuration is still present.
5. Optional: run GYROTEST once to confirm the gyroscope reads correctly.
6. Continue with Pre-flight before preparing for flight.

For safe USB setup and hardware preparation, see Getting started and Safety.