The Thrust Transfer Structure (TTS) is a project overseen by the Structures Subteam within the Michigan Aeronautical Science Association (MASA), for the team's 2023-2025 rocket: Limelight.

Michigan Aeronautical Science Association (MASA) - Limelight

Limelight is MASA's newest single-stage sounding rocket from the 2023-2025 development year. It utilizes a pressure-fed kerolox system and features seam-welded stainless steel propellant tanks, advanced custom avionics, composite aerostructures, a regeneratively-cooled engine, and much more. It stands over 20' tall and is 13" in diameter, which will make it the largest student-built rocket in the United States.

Structures

MASA Structures designs, builds and tests structural hardware for both the rocket and ground support equipment. The subteam is responsible for propellant tanks, airframe sections and for any and all mounting hardware critical to rocket integration. Structures makes the biggest components on TSM, and is also the team's knowledge centre for full-vehicle structural analysis. Most recently, the subteam had a successful burst test on our tank design, allowing our flight tanks to operate at a maximum allowable working pressure of 850 psi.

Thrust Transfer Structure (TTS)

The TTS is a structure that transfers thrust loads from the engine to the rest of the rocket's body, and also supports the weight of the rocket on the rail during launch. It recently successfully underwent load testing during our engine hotfire in May 2024, and currently utilises a rod-based design, made of Aluminium 6061. My responsibilities of this project are to conduct relevant hand calculations, and aid in the CAD for the TTS.