Kennedy Space Center, Fluids Technology Branch

Pathways Showcase

Steven GantzerNE-F6Spring 2015

“We Went to the Moon and We Discovered Earth”

- Neil deGrasse Tyson

Kennedy Space Center, Fluids Technology Branch

Background

• West Virginia University

• Morgantown, WV

• B.S Mechanical Engineering

• Army Reserves – 7 Years

• Iraq Deployment – 10 Months

• Study Abroad in Rome, Italy – 5 Months

Kennedy Space Center, Fluids Technology Branch

Cryogenics Test Laboratory (CTL)• Vision: To provide the facilities and expertise to test materials, systems,

develop technology, and perform research/experimentation for low temperature applications.

• Only CTL in the world with certain capabilities

• Matrixed to support many projects

• Thermo/fluids engineering intern

Kennedy Space Center, Fluids Technology Branch

But Why?Rocket Fuel Baby!

Space is Cold

And well…

It’s cool

Kennedy Space Center, Fluids Technology Branch

Supported Projects

Ground Operations Demonstration Unit – Liquid Hydrogen (GODU-LH2)

Rocket University (AKA Project NEO)

Regolith and Environment Science and Oxygen and Lunar Volatile Extraction - Lunar Advanced Volatile Analysis System (RESOLVE LAVA)

Kennedy Space Center, Fluids Technology Branch

GODU-LH2

• Zero boil off, Densification, and Liquefaction of LH2

• 33,000 gallon VJ tank, 850W Refrigerator, Vacuum pump

• Supported testing procedures and assisted with troubleshooting

• Helped to modify pvc piping system

Kennedy Space Center, Fluids Technology Branch

Rocket U

• Test fire Project Morpheus’ PIXEL Lander rocket

• Hands on experience in piping and fluid systems

• CAESAR II modeling and stress analysis of rocket skid

Kennedy Space Center, Fluids Technology Branch

RESOLVE LAVA

• Lunar soil resource detection and composition

• Potential use of resources

• Regolith sampling and gas extraction

• Gas Chromatograph (GC) calibration

• Assisted with lab testing

Kennedy Space Center, Fluids Technology Branch

Skills Learned and Knowledge Gained

• Thermodynamics in terms of cryogenics

• Cryogenic equipment, piping systems, pressure vessels, etc…

• CAM/CAD (CAESAR II and Creo)

• Lab testing procedures and etiquette

• ASME and PVS standards

• That I have much more to learn!

Kennedy Space Center, Fluids Technology Branch

Thank You!