LR-101 Rocket Engine Hot Fire
Project Type
Rocketry
Project Overview
I had the privilege of spending three months in Toronto, where I was mentored by and worked closely with Adam Trumpour. During this time, I contributed to the fluids and propulsion team for the test firing of an LR-101 rocket engine. This project was a remarkable experience, allowing me to engage in both the hands-on work and project management aspects of a rocket engine test campaign.
Hands-on Experience
One of the highlights of this project was the hands-on experience I gained. I was actively involved in manufacturing the test stand, which included machining parts on a mill, welding, and general metalworking. I also was involded in the fluids system which required me to bend and flare stainless steel tubes, connect AN and swagelok fittings, and clean all nessesary valves/fittings/tubes to a standard that made them safe for use with liquid oxygen (LOX).
Planning & Design
The mobile test stand trailer already had a complex, yet undocumented plumbing system in place, so my first task was to create a P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram) based on the existing setup. This involved mapping out the system, identifying necessary components that needed to be added, and planning out how and where to integrate them into the system.
This process required careful consideration of the existing infrastructure and the specific requirements of the test, ensuring everything would work seamlessly together.
Team Experience
The project involved around 75 people, and I became really close with the team. To show my appreciation for the great collaboration, I machined mini LR-101's as gifts to my close friends on the team. This experience not only enhanced my technical skills but also allowed me to build strong professional relationships.
This project is a key highlight in my portfolio, showcasing my ability to work on complex, high stakes engineering projects that require both technical expertise and effective teamwork.
