The Valve Test Stand is a project overseen by the Propulsion 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.

Propulsion

The Propulsion Subteam is responsible for the design and specifications of propellant valves, the rocket engine, and associated hardware. The subteam also works with other subteams to determine overall rocket architecture and to ensure all the hardware works together as designed.

Custom Valves - Valve Seat Sealing Test Stand

Here at MASA, we design, build, test, and manufacture our very own custom valves used in the rocket, such as the Liquid Oxygen valves, Oxygen Vent Valves, Fuel Valves, and Test Valves. My first project on the team involved leading, the development of the Valve Seat Sealing Test Stand. Its success would serve as a means for the team to collect leak rate data over the seat, and how this is impacted by various valve materials used. This project is set to be fully tested, and manufactured by April 2025.