Astro SB010 – GPS-Assisted Mode Drop-Outs

Date Released: August 5, 2025

Subject: Astro SB010 – GPS-Assisted Mode Drop-Outs

Effectivity: Immediate

Required Action: Urgent – Monitor the aircraft closely and be prepared to take direct control if GPS-assisted mode is lost; avoid beyond-visual-line-of-sight flights until patched.

Affected Part Numbers: All Astro flying on firmware v2.0.x

BACKGROUND

We discovered that in rare occurrences under normal conditions the flight controller’s GPS-quality thresholds in v2.0.x can be too aggressive. Small changes in satellite lock—especially when RTK/NTRIP connects or disconnects (see SB011)—can make the autopilot drop out of any GPS-assisted mode.

Symptoms:

• Drone switches from Position → Altitude
• In an auto mission or RTL, the aircraft may enter LAND (failsafe) unexpectedly.
• GPS modes usually return after a few seconds, but unrecognized shifts can lead to drift or an unplanned descent.

OPERATIONAL IMPACT

• While flying in GPS enabled modes such as Position Mode, Orbit, Survey mission and more, autopilot may switch the mode to Altitude mode. This requires Pilots to immediately take control over the aircraft to prevent risk of drift into obstacles.
• Affects all GPS-assisted modes on v2.0.x
• Firmware v1.9.x is not affected by this issue
• Can occur under normal SBAS GPS when satellite geometry changes.

RECOMMENDATION

1. Monitor aircraft during flight operations and assume full control immediately if GPS-assisted mode is lost. If GPS-assisted mode is lost, immediately stabilize and hover in Altitude mode, then re-enable Position mode once GPS lock returns and wait for it to re-engage before resuming the mission.
2. Maintain visual line-of-sight at all times.
3. Install Astro firmware v2.1.x as soon as Freefly issues the release notification (target August 2025). A separate service bulletin will provide upgrade details and reauthorize RTK and NTRIP use.