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As the Chief Engineer of SOAR at Pitt, I oversaw and personally developed many technical projects on solid rocket motor manufacturing & testing, mechanical engineering design, and funding projects.
My time with SOAR has allowed me to develop advanced skills in various 3D CAD software programs, including Onshape, SOLIDWORKS, and Fusion360. Additionally, I have developed a strong experience with AutoCAD for 2D drawing purposes.
All 3D models were part of the engineering design process to create rapid 3D-printed prototypes and robust final products. These projects were all showcased in the team's participation in the 2024 Spaceport America Cup or the 2025 International Rocket Engineering Competition.
3D & 2D Models & Drawings
3-inch Rocket Air Brake System
The latest SOAR project that I have undertaken is the design and manufacturing of a 3-inch rocket equipped with an air brake system for active altitude control. This rocket's intended mission intended to allow testing of a new air brake control system on a low-stakes, and relatively low-power fight (H & I impulse class motors).
With this 3-inch rocket and air brake hardware, test flights for controls system software can be done with 95% less cost and faster turnaround times.
Deployable 2U CubeSat Payload
For IREC 2025, I led development of CubeSat form factor payload project. The payload vehicle's intended mission was to deploy and land separately from the rocket vehicle during the recovery phase at an altitude of 1,200 ft. This vehicle was equipped with a custom flight computer, structural frame, recovery mechanism, and wireless arming capability. It resulted in a successful deployment.
6-inch Rocket Air Brake System
I led the creation of an air brake system for altitude control on PAX 1. I led a small team to develop a model, 3D-printed prototypes, and a final design. To save costs and reduce manufacturing lead times, I modified the design to simplify it without impacting functionality. My design allowed a majority of the parts to be water jet-cut, 3D printed, or off-the-shelf.
Bolt-on Aerodynamic Camera Shroud
PAX 1 was SOAR's first rocket with onboard video. This camera protruded from the rocket and pointed down towards the ground. I created a housing to minimize drag and to protect the camera device. Inside the rocket, a separate camera mounting was also created.
Solid Rocket Motor Test Stand Isometric Drawing
Using AutoCAD, I created an isometric drawing of the rocket motor test stand used in the 98mm full-scale static fire of Blue in 2024. This drawing was used for design documentation, dimensional references, and safe operating procedures for training ahead of the static fire.
98mm Motor Assembly Drawing
Using AutoCAD, I created a drawing of the 98mm rocket motor hardware and assembly order. The drawing includes all aspects of the rocket motor apart from the fuel and o-rings. This drawing was used along with the test stand diagram for documentation and training on motor assembly to ensure safe and reliable motor operation.
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