Lead Engineer: Ethan Scanlon & Jacob Ismael
Status: Hardware‐only repository – PCB design files, footprints and production data for the first-generation Bola flight computer. Firmware lives in the separate
bolarepo.
Bola is an open-source, miniature flight computer for experimental rockets.
It is built around an ESP32-S3 microcontroller and pairs a 9-DoF IMU with a high-resolution barometer to provide real-time state estimation, data-logging and telemetry in a single, compact PCB.
The hardware in this repository powers the Gaucho Rocket Project’s “Bola” launch vehicle and is released to help other student teams accelerate their avionics development.
| Sub-system | Parts/Notes |
|---|---|
| MCU | Espressif ESP32-S3 module, 240 MHz dual-core, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth LE |
| Inertial sensing | ICM-20948 9-axis IMU (gyro + accel + mag) |
| Altimetry | BMP581 absolute barometer (32-bit FIFO, 5 Pa RMS) |
| Power | 2-stage regulation: LD1117-5 V & SPX3819-3 V3 LDOs |
| Pyro outputs | Low-side MOSFETs (DMN3023L-7) for ejection charges |
| User feedback | JST-XH debug header |
| Connectors | XT30UPB main supply; screw terminals for igniters |
| Form factor | 4-layer, 50 × 80 mm PCB < 15 g bare |
