Sensors can be used to measure structural/component performance along with initiating controls. 100s to 1000s of sensors can be on board a rocket depending on its size and scope. Here are some examples of sensors:
Component sensing:
- Strain gauges
Ex. anticipate failures/improve future structural designs - Temperature sensors
Ex. monitoring temperatures of cryogenic fuels - Pressure sensors
Ex. detection of leaks - Cameras
Ex. viewing of mechanism behavior such as rocket booster releasing - Load cells
Ex. measuring of thrust generated - Flow meter
Ex. ensuring the proper delivery of fuels to chambers
Controls sensing:
- Gyroscopes
Ex. feedback to help stabilize the rocket is ascent/descent - Accelerometers
Ex. activation/deactivation of rocket engines once speed is met - Magentometers
Ex. measure direction and strength of planetary magnetic fields - Altimeters
Ex. releasing of rocket stages at certain altitudes - GPS
Ex. determining spacecraft trajectory
Use of all sensors may be redundant/unnecessary. As an example, here is a diagram of an Atlas V rocket components and sensors:
Make sure to review electrical fundamentals (circuits, digital/analog sampling) to supplement this area!