NASA Marshall Space Flight Center
January 16 – May 4, 2018
WHAT HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED TO DATE IN YOUR RESEARCH PROJECT?
I have become aware of how the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) works and how it is relevant to the upcoming Space Launch System. A lot of work has gone into reading schematics of the engine to understand why each component and valve exists where it does, what components are being added or modified, and how the updated engine will be green run (approved for flight). Most of my time has been spent reading PDF files, schematics, textbooks, as well as sitting in on team meetings.
WHAT GOALS REMAIN FOR THE SECOND HALF OF THE INTERNSHIP?
I will continue the learning as well as compile data from the most recent test series. I will attempt to identify any positive or negative observations with the test data to show that I comprehend the SSME. I will also continue in helping with the various tasks that the employees assign me such as data organization, condensing processes to make them simpler, and helping with any additional test series that come up.