Implementation and Uses of Telemetry Communications in a Sounding Rocket

The University of Georgia’s International Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC) Team is developing a live video and data stream telemetry system for use on the 2025 competition rocket. As part of the competition, the “Live Rocket Video Challenge” has two possible categories to gain awards for, including the “Best Live Onboard Video,” and “Best Live Telemetry Visualization.” This research paper covers the system architecture and hardware used to appropriately design and implement the team’s telemetry system, along with PCB manufacturing for electronics, and considerations for the unique challenges provided by limitations due to the nature of the competition. System design using an ESP32 with peripherals utilizing UART and I2C communication, as well as power electronics will be covered. The input of all data is packaged and sent over an RF communication system, then unpackaged and displayed on a custom-developed ground station.