The University of Tennessee’s Student Space Technology Association (SSTA) is a student-led research lab pushing the envelope of collegiate space technology. SSTA focuses on hybrid and liquid rocket propulsion projects in addition to high-altitude balloons and high-power rocketry certifications. Notably, SSTA won 1st place in the 30k SRAD Hybrid/Liquid category at the 2022 Spaceport America Cup. SSTA also closely works with senior design teams, of which a senior design team supported by SSTA and using an SSTA developed hybrid rocket engine won 1st place in Category B at the inaugural 2024 FAR-OUT competition.

SSTA is currently building a large bi-propellant liquid rocket engine using Nytrox and E98 with an expected impulse of 70,000 N-s. This project is in its second year and is the most complex project undertaken by the program. SSTA also operates one of the largest rocket engine test stands at an American university. The test stand was constructed with ambitious projects in mind – designed to accommodate engines of up to 50kN in thrust; the stand allows SSTA to one day embark on a space shot project.

SSTA has found SECO seals to be indispensable in our toolbox as our projects grow ever more complex and technically challenging. SECO seals were first introduced to the organization by a member returning from an internship, since this introduction SSTA has implemented them extensively in any application where we are using AN/JIC fittings. These seals are an integral part of our troubleshooting process: assemble plumbing, test for leaks, apply a SECO seal, and fix the leak. We use these seals on our testing hardware, ground support equipment, and flight configurations of plumbing. They are especially useful when joining fittings of different metals/grades such as an aluminum AN fitting to a steel JIC fitting.