Team Structure
PROPULSION
Engine Development - Design, analyze, and optimize the rocket engine, its components, and its fuel compositions.
Fluid Control Systems - Develop and test innovative valve mechanisms for precise control of propellant flow in SSTA’s rocket engines.
Thrust Vector Control - Engineer and integrate systems to control and steer the thrust vector, enabling accurate trajectory control.
10k Hybrid - Our new members and future leaders build a 10,000' apogee hybrid rocket from scratch, mentored by our senior members and executive board.
AEROSTRUCTURES
Aerostructures - Design and analyze the structural integrity of the rocket's frame and fuel tanks to withstand immense forces during launch and flight.
Simulations - Develop advanced simulations to model the rocket's aerodynamic behavior and flight dynamics, optimizing designs for improved performance.
Systems
Avionics - Responsible for the flight computers, sensors, and telemetry modules, ensuring reliable data acquisition and control during rocket missions.
Payload & Recovery - Design or integrate innovative payload systems to be carried aboard the rocket, expanding the scope and applications of our missions. Build reliable recovery systems to ensure the safe retrieval of our rockets after each flight.
Data Acquisition - Build data acquisition systems for our testing and flight programs.
Balloons - SSTA launches weather and research balloons both recreationally, and on launch days to characterize the atmosphere before launching rockets.
OPERATIONS
Ground Support Equipment - Design, develop, and maintain specialized ground support equipment, including testing pads, handling tools, and transportation infrastructure, to facilitate seamless pre-launch and post-flight operations.
System Integration & Manufacturing - Coordinate and oversee the integration of all subsystems, ensuring seamless collaboration between teams and the successful assembly of the complete rocket system.
Business Development
Fundraising & Strategy - Identify, develop, and execute innovative fundraising strategies, and build the overarching development vision for SSTA.
Corporate Development - Responsible for building and maintaining strategic partnerships and securing sponsorships from industry and across the Tickle School of Engineering.
Legal & Compliance - Ensure our operations, projects, and activities comply with all University regulations, relevant laws, and safety protocols; mitigate risk and foster accountability within SSTA.
Communications
Engagement and Recruitment - Identify, invite, and coordinate guest speakers from industry to share their expertise and insights with the organization. Organize engaging STEM outreach programs, workshops, and events to inspire and educate local youth about space technology and rocketry. Recruit new members into the organization.
Social Media - Manage our online presence, creating captivating content, updating the website, and leveraging social platforms to promote our activities.
Branding & Merchandise - Develop eye-catching branding elements and design creative merchandise to raise awareness and funds for SSTA.
Senior Design
Senior Design - Engineering seniors take a year-long course to solve a complex engineering problem, our team helps those who pursuit projects in rocketry and aerospace.