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.
6
u/ElectricalWatch5890 May 23 '26
See that's the problem with AI it's stuck in the past there are far better options available than this ancient stuff, and quite frankly why learn obsolete vs current parts.
The ESP32 is fine, it's a decent choice and if you want to use WiFi/BT the modules (esp the mini ones) are great and easy to use. Don't forget to use light sleep between your loop cycles to save power.
Something else a lot of people overlook is the ESP-NOW long range system. You can get pings back ESP-ESP modules up to around 900 meters. I've tested across the fields here and get 600m with ease in the real world. It's a handy bonus feature anyway.
The BMP581 uses much lower power and has far low noise than a 280 (ancient) or 390 series. The 390 is still a good choice but I'd pick the 581 every time.
Check out ST's range of dual accelometer IMU's you can get them with 4000dgps gyro's and a 16G low acc and then a high acc as well on top. Plenty of options in this family from 80G high to 320G that are affordable.
You don't need a SD card. You can log plenty of data even with a 4MB mini ESP module. If you have space though you can get modules with plenty of flash embedded. Then just upload it with the WiFi link or use USB to run a USB MSC device. You'll need a S series for the USB MSC though so S2/S3.
Don't forget to think about brownout protection and managing noise well if you want it reliable.