drone_control.py (Python)

drone_control.py is the main Python interface for working with DroneOS from scripts and applications.

It gives you a straightforward way to query drone state and send commands without working directly with lower-level ROS 2 interfaces.

What It Is For

Use drone_control.py when you want to:

control a drone from Python
build scripts or automations
integrate DroneOS into an application
prototype higher-level flight logic
connect AI or decision layers to the aircraft

If you prefer quick terminal commands, use droneos CLI.

Basic Usage

# Get fleet status
python3 drone_control.py --fleet-status

# Query a single drone
python3 drone_control.py --drone drone1 --get-state

# Send commands
python3 drone_control.py --drone drone1 --set-offboard
python3 drone_control.py --drone drone1 --arm
python3 drone_control.py --drone drone1 --set-position 0 0 -10
python3 drone_control.py --drone drone1 --land

Python Example

import drone_control as dc

# Choose a drone
dc.set_drone_name("drone1")

# Read state
state = dc.get_state()
print(state["arming_state"])
print(state["nav_state"])

# Send commands
dc.set_offboard()
dc.arm()
dc.set_position(0, 0, -10)
dc.return_to_launch()

Core Functions

Function	Purpose
`set_drone_name(name)`	Select which drone to target
`get_drone_name()`	Return the current target
`get_state()`	Read telemetry and status
`set_offboard()`	Enter offboard mode
`set_position_mode()`	Switch to position-control mode
`arm()` / `disarm()`	Arm or disarm the aircraft
`takeoff()`	Command takeoff
`set_position(x, y, z, yaw)`	Send a position target
`land()`	Land at the current position
`return_to_launch()`	Return to home and land
`upload_mission(waypoints)`	Upload a waypoint mission
`mission_control(command)`	Start, pause, resume, stop, or clear a mission
`get_mission_status()`	Read mission progress

Coordinate Notes

Position commands use the DroneOS coordinate conventions documented in Coordinate Frames.

In practice, the most important thing to remember is that local position targets are expressed relative to the drone's frame of reference, and altitude handling follows the conventions used by the underlying stack.

When to Use It

drone_control.py is the right choice when you want a programmable interface.

Examples:

mission scripting
automated tests
backend integrations
agent or orchestration layers
prototypes that may later grow into larger applications

Relationship to the Rest of DroneOS

drone_control.py is one of several ways to interact with DroneOS.

use Python when you want scripting and application logic
use the CLI when you want fast terminal commands
use the C++ SDK when you are building more deeply into the ROS 2 side of the stack

drone_control.py (Python)

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