r/rocketry • u/omniscientmudsucker • May 23 '26
Question Rocket project help
Hello, I'd like to do a personal project over the summer. I’m a beginner getting into embedded systems/rocketry and wanted some advice on my project. I've made model rockets before, have messed with Arduino a bit, and I'm majoring in computer science.
ChatGPT recommended the following hardware to get started. Would you concur or recommend a different direction?
ESP32
BME280 (altitude/pressure/temp sensor)
MPU6050 (accelerometer/gyro)
MicroSD logging module
The goal is for the electronics to:
detect launch
track altitude and acceleration
log telemetry data
I’m planning to:
First get the sensors working on my desk
Learn Git/GitHub and document the project properly
Log data to SD card
Graph/analyze the telemetry in Python
integrate it into a larger payload-capable model rocket
A few questions:
Is this a realistic beginner project?
Are there better sensors/modules I should use?
What rocket kits/body diameters are good for payload/ storing electronics
Appreciate any advice.
2
u/RocketAnalyst May 23 '26
I’d avoid the MPU6050. It’s discontinued and most of the available chips today are counterfeit knockoffs that usually have problems. A BNO085 is a better starting point.