Why is it important to have atmospheric access for a pressure-sensor altimeter?

Having atmospheric access is crucial for a pressure-sensor altimeter because it allows the device to capture accurate pressure readings that are necessary for determining altitude. Pressure decreases with an increase in altitude according to the principles of atmospheric science. The altimeter uses this relationship to calculate how high the rocket has traveled based on the changes in ambient air pressure.

When the altimeter is exposed to the atmosphere, it can respond dynamically to changes in pressure as the rocket ascends and descends. Accurate pressure readings are essential for ensuring the altitude calculations are precise, which directly affects safety and performance in rocketry. If the altimeter does not have access to atmospheric data, its readings could be erroneous, leading to potential malfunctions like early deployment of recovery systems or failure to deploy at the correct altitude.

Having access to atmospheric conditions, therefore, is foundational for the accurate operation of pressure-sensor altimeters in rocketry.