Mechanical engineering student Juan Barragan works to manufacture a propellant tank baffle support. Image Credit: URC.

University of Texas at El Paso

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Degree Level: Bachelor of Science

Internship Site: NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas

Mentor: Eric Hurlbert

Abstract: Morpheus is a vertical test bed that is currently being used by the NASA Johnson Space Center to explore and perfect green propellant propulsion. This vertical lander utilizes different technologies that allow the test bed to autonomously land, detect and avoid hazards with the help of various subsystems. The vehicle at the moment will be tested at the Kennedy Space Center and a spare vehicle is needed for backup. My task is to begin the construction of the spare vehicle propellant storage and propellant delivery system in conjunction with the vehicle structure, as well as supporting any testing and preparation for the KSC test. Learning from current vehicle testing, components new vehicle’s subsystem will be upgraded and modified for increased performance.

* If you are having trouble viewing this poster, please download it as a pdf.