LOXSAT

Program Overview

• Mission: LOXSAT is a NASA-funded cyrogenic fluid management demonstration mission developed by Eta Space while supported by Rocket Lab's Electron and Photon bus
• Launch: LOXSAT is scheduled to launch in 2025 aboard Electron
• Scientific Objectives: LOXSAT will demonstrate low Earth orbit cyrogenic storage, refueling, and transfer operations with liquid oxygen

Experience from 2023-2024

Analysis

• Served as lead structural analyst for LOXSAT, supporting both the space systems team and customer
• Developed detailed CDR vehicle-level FEMs comprised of metallics and composites, ensuring adherence to Electron mission requirements and performance standards utilizing Simcenter 3D, NX Nastran and SATK
• Performed static and dynamic FEA on primary and secondary structures including quasi-static, random vibration, thermal elastic distortion, solar array deployments, buckling, bolted joint, environmental derivation and shock attenuation

Reporting

• Presented post-CDR structural analysis to customer and leadership, effectively addressing design concerns
• Authored Quality Management System (QMS) documentation to effectively communicate structural analysis procedures while mentoring junior analysts and interns

Achievements

• Successfully led structural efforts for LOXSAT, becoming adept at Simcenter and industry-standard finite element modeling techniques
• Collaborated with customer to resolve critical structural challenges ensuring spacecraft design would meet industry expectations
• Awarded Badass Engineer within the Rocket Lab Space Systems organization