Mission Planning with the Freefly Astro

This article will cover everything you need to know to plan a mission with your new FreeFly Astro. Additional information can be found on the Freefly Astro Wiki.

1. Unboxing and powering on

• Open the case: Inside you will find the Astro drone, a quick start guide, and the controller.
• Controller setup: Remove the controller, peel off the screen sticker, and press the Power button. Once loaded, open the AMC app.
• Drone hardware: Remove the Astro from the case (landing gear is pre-extended). If you purchased an Astro Map, the Mapping Payload is already attached to the Dovetail on the bottom.
• USB-C memory stick installed to underside of the drone
• Remove insert: Pull the card insert from the top of the Astro.
• Battery installation: Insert one SL8 battery until you hear two clicks. This ensures a solid electrical connection.
• Powering on: Press the battery button twice.

2. Connecting to the internet (optional)

Connecting allows for automatic log uploads via Auterion Suite, asset management, and video streaming.

• LTE: Some units ship with a trial T-Mobile LTE SIM for instant connection.
• Blue UAS Cleared Drone List configuration: Note that WiFi is not enabled by default on Blue/NDAA variants.
• To connect WiFi:
  1. Open AMC on your controller or PC (use USB-C for PC).
  2. Power on Astro (use one battery for safety; "Check Battery" status is normal here).
  3. Navigate to the top left icon > Vehicle Overview > Connectivity.
     • Enable WiFi (not hotspot), enter your credentials, and click Connect.
     • Enable Hotspot (not WiFi) if using a hotspot

3. Registering in Auterion Suite (optional)

The Suite is essential for fleet management and receiving fast technical support from Freefly.

• Physical connection: For security, you must use a physical connection for initial registration. Connect a USB-C cable from your computer to the I/O panel on the underside of the Astro.
• Access dashboard: Open a web browser and go to 10.41.1.1. Refresh if the dashboard doesn't appear.
• Account creation: Follow the prompts to create a Suite account if you don't have one. Once created, you can "Claim" the aircraft.
• Enable data: In the Astro webpage settings, ensure Cloud Services and Flight Log Upload are enabled.
• Verification: The unit should now appear under the "Vehicles" section of your Auterion Suite dashboard.

4. Hardware preparation

• Batteries: Batteries ship separately due to shipping regulations. Chargers are located in the Astro case under the battery foam insert.
• Charging: Fully charge all SL8 batteries and your controller (Pilot Pro).
• Updates: Check that both the Astro firmware and controller firmware are up to date before heading to the field.

5. First flight

• Preparation: Review the "Flight" section of the Wiki and watch the First Flight Guide instructional video.
• Uploading a KML file:  You must use a KML and Not a KMZ. Begin by drawing a mission area, Insert USB-C stick with KML file into the rightmost port on the RC. Import KML. 
• NDAA / Blue UAS Cleared Drone List Users: Channel selection. Read the Doodle Radio notes specifically. 
• Checklist: Use the quick checklist card included in the Astro case for best practices.
• Post-Flight: After flying, review your data in the Auterion Suite. If any issues occurred, you can share logs with Freefly support with just two clicks.

1. Tap the 3 vertical bars on the top left of the screen to show the mission planning menu.

   

2. Press the “takeoff” button on the left hand menu, and choose a takeoff location.

   

3. Select the waypoint option to set a waypoint for the drone to move towards after takeoff. The drone will go here prior to beginning the mission.

   

4. To plan a survey, use the Plan view > Pattern > Survey tool from the Plan Tools.

   

5. Define the Survey area by selecting one of the 3 area shape icons on the bottom of the screen. We chose the square in this example. You can also upload a KML at this step instead.

   

6. Define the final shape by dragging the white waypoints into position. You can add more points and make your shape more detailed by selecting the transparent circles between the waypoints to add more vertices.
   Set side and front overlap to 75%, and set your mission altitude between 250-400 feet (75-120 meters)

   

7. Select Return To Launch for the final step of the survey

   

Recommended mission and camera settings are as follows: 

I still can't do it!

We wrote these articles to equip you with everything you need to get the job done on your own, but we understand that sometimes this isn't sufficient.

If you're stuck, the Propeller hardware support team may be able to help. You can contact them by emailing hardwaresupport@propelleraero.com.au.