Rocket blockdiagram

[PTS]

Suppose we wanted to compose a simplified model of a space rocket, kinda like a programming block diagram. What instruments and components would you put in it, to achieve orbit with a single person on board and then deorbit safely?
For the sake of simplicity we assume no component may fail and our cabin atmosphere is not recycled (oxygen in a tank).

 

[Artlav]

Propulsion-structure-lifesystem.

Engine    \
           |--support structure-navigation equipment-life support reserves--|life bubble
Fuel tanks/

Something like that?

 

[PTS]

Pretty much like this. Except if we can have all the instruments listed. The control system is irrelevant, but all that is used for navigation is vital. What would be needed to make that rocket go where we want it? Altimeter, speedometer, what else? If the instruments' readout could be combined with the sensor from which the information came it'd be even better!

 

[Wishbone]

Please take a look at R-7/Vostok description, or Atlas/Mercury.

 

[Urwumpe]

Pretty much like this. Except if we can have all the instruments listed. The control system is irrelevant, but all that is used for navigation is vital. What would be needed to make that rocket go where we want it? Altimeter, speedometer, what else? If the instruments' readout could be combined with the sensor from which the information came it'd be even better!

Depends on which kind of guidance you want. The smarter the on-board guidance has to be, the more stuff you need.

In the typical situation, you buy a complete augmented INS from the shelf that gives you all navigation data you need and has still enough CPU power left for running an autopilot.

The simplest case would be radio command, there you just need a few gyroscopes for controlling the attitude rates.

also it depends on your control system - how do you point your rocket in the right direction.