> > The first operational (read actually worked) ballistic rocket (read
leaves
> > the atmosphere and returns) was of course the German V2, which was built
by
> > Von Braun and many others.  The guidance was a tube circuit that mixed
(they
> > called it a mixing circuit) the gyro and vane position signals and
generated
> > servo signals for positioning the vanes.  I bet that we can get that to
work
> > with a PIC.  Possibly an 8 pin device.  Mars is a bit more complicated,
that
> > might be a bit tougher.  But we certainly can loft a body to space with
a
> > PIC.  I bet that would be great PR.

A vectored thrust rocket was demonstrated last year at the NAR nationals
here in muncie. It used an optical horizon sensor.  I don't remember if he
used a processor at all though.

Sending anything with any appreciable mass to "space" (>100k') is quite a
challenge given current regs and rules. The current record for solid fuel is
up around 40k' and liquids put you into "amateur rocketry" so be prepared to
make a good friends with land owners in nevada. Also, you need FAA clearance
for the shot, which isn't as hard to get as you might imagine.