ADRIANO ZAGAR & TEAM · EMBEDDED C++, ESP32-S3, SOLIDWORKS, OPENROCKET
Team-Developed Rocket and Flight Computer
OBJECTIVE
Engineered and launched a custom high-power rocket with a self-built ESP32-S3 flight computer, 3D-printed aerostructures, and a custom ignition and safety-lock system.
Final Assembled Rocket
LOG — 01
Development Workflow
- 1
Flight Computer: Engineered and coded a custom ESP32-S3 flight computer with real-time SD data logging.
- 2
Aerodynamics: Modeled and validated flight stability using OpenRocket simulations.
- 3
Sensor Integration: Integrated a BME280 pressure sensor and TPS61023 boost converter for altitude tracking and stable power delivery.
- 4
3D-Printed Parts: Designed and fabricated custom fins and nose cone in SOLIDWORKS.
- 5
Ignition & Recovery: Engineered a custom ignition circuit and parachute recovery system from the ground up.
- 6
Flight Testing: Ran iterative test launches to validate flight computer and recovery performance.
LOG — 02
Engineering Challenges & Solutions
Custom Ignition System
Built and tested our own motor igniter circuit rather than using a pre-made one.
Launch Safety Interlock
Engineered a key-locked launch interlock, adding a dedicated safety stage to prevent accidental ignition.
Recovery System
Designed and validated parachute deployment and canopy geometry for a safe, controlled descent.
Full Integration
Unified custom firmware, sensors, and recovery hardware into one fully integrated, flight-ready system.
LOG — 03
Ignition & Recovery Hardware
