Carbonization of carbon-carbon composites is presently a slow, costly process. The failure rate and the variation in final material properties are both excessive. The complex physical and chemical changes require new control methods. Real time sensing of material properties can, in combination with a priori expert knowledge, be used to improve real time model estimates of process outcome and to revise the process. The basic elements of the control strategy for real time control of carbonization based on thermal, acoustic, conductivity, and gas chemistry sensors are described. Preliminary results relate real time gas analysis to physical changes.