What is a major concern with accelerometer-based altimeters?

Accelerometer-based altimeters primarily measure altitude by detecting changes in the acceleration of the rocket. One significant concern with these altimeters is their reliance on correct orientation during the flight. If a rocket flies significantly off-vertical, the accelerometer may not accurately calculate the vertical component of acceleration needed to determine altitude. This misalignment can lead to erroneous altitude readings, which can impact the deployment of recovery systems, like parachutes. Proper deployment timing is critical for ensuring that the recovery system functions effectively, and any inaccuracies in altitude measurement due to orientation issues can compromise this safety element.

While the other concerns mentioned are valid in different contexts, they do not directly reflect the core functionality and limitations of accelerometer-based altimeters in the context of rocket flight.