Vacuum Utilization of Layer Connection ANalysis (VULCAN)

The VULCAN mission attempts to investigate the feasibility of employing additive manufacturing techniques in an on-orbit, space environment. The mission examines the potential impacts and consequences that a 3-D printer payload would have on a spacecraft in low earth orbit. This investigation is performed using two methodologies. The first investigation is the study and design of a theoretical small satellite mission with a 3-D printer payload and is done through thermal, structural, and attitude determination and control simulations. The second investigation is conducted through a series of hardware tests using a thermal vacuum chamber with the goal of characterizing the performance of a 3-D printer in a near-vacuum, space like environment. The VULCAN mission, and the corresponding research, is still ongoing, but the most recent findings are presented herein.

Patrick Sullivan

Patrick is an accelerated masters student studying aerospace engineering. He was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas. He is interested in the design of satellites and complex systems. He has an internship at Maxar Technologies in Palo Alto this summer as a product assurance engineer and is planning on coming back to SLU to finish his accelerated masters in aerospace engineering.

Scott Elliot

Scott Elliott is a senior studying Aerospace Engineering. Originally from Chesterfield, Missouri, Scott will move to Salt Lake City after graduation to work as a L3Harris Systems Engineer on the Lockheed U-2S "Dragon lady." Scott's hobbies include rock climbing, SCUBA diving, and backpacking outdoors.

Claire Jacobs

Claire Jacobs is a graduating Senior from Riverside, Illinois majoring in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. Her passion for space was ignited while watching the movie "Apollo 13," and reading "The Martian" as a young woman. Claire has always loved to build things, so the combination of engineering and coding has given her some wonderful opportunities. She looks forward to starting her career as a Systems Engineer at Northrop Grumman Space Systems in California this fall. In her free time, Claire loves to knit, listen to music, and cook for her friends.

Declan Byrne

Declan is a senior majoring in aerospace engineering from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After his undergraduate work with the Space Systems Research Lab, he is hoping to continue working in the space industry following graduation. Declan has spent his years at SLU playing Ultimate Frisbee with the club team, rock climbing, and doing homework.

Jeremy Ling

Jeremy Ling is a senior from Webster Groves, MO graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Aerospace Engineering at Parks College of Engineering, Aviation, & Technology. His deep interest in space and adventure are fueled by exploring the outdoors, playing the violin, and traveling. After graduation, he hopes to start his career working for an aerospace company and considering the possibly of obtaining a master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering to continue his legacy and passion about space.

Jarrett Irwin

Jarrett Irwin is a Senior Aerospace Engineering student at Parks College of Engineering, Aviation, and Technology. He enjoys being outdoors, cooking, traveling, and playing board games with his friends. After graduation, he hopes to find a job in the aerospace field or to travel abroad.

Dan Reczek (SLU Alumni of 2018) has been extremely influential in our project. He has offered encouragement, advice, and offered much of his time as a mentor.

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