---
type: meeting
date: 2025-12-23
attendees:
  - "[[Marcus Johnson]]"
  - "[[David Kim]]"
  - "[[Sarah Chen]]"
tags:
  - meeting
  - propulsion
  - standup
---
# [[2025-12-23 Propulsion Standup]]

## [[Meeting Info]]

**[[Date]]**: [[December 23]], 2025
**Time**: 10:00-11:00
**[[Location]]**: [[Lab Conference Room]]
**Facilitator**: [[Marcus Johnson]] ([[Propulsion Lead]])

**Attendees**:
- [[Marcus Johnson]] ([[Propulsion Lead]])
- [[David Kim]] ([[Senior Propulsion Engineer]])
- [[Sarah Chen]] ([[Chief Engineer]]) - observing

## [[Purpose]]

Weekly [[Propulsion Team]] standup to sync on [[Test 1]] preparation ([[First Hot Fire]] [[Test]] [[Scheduled]] for late December).

## [[Agenda]]

1. [[Test 1 Preparation Status]]
2. [[Turbopump Delivery Update]]
3. [[Engine Controller Integration]]
4. [[Propellant Procurement]]
5. [[Test Stand Readiness]]
6. [[Holiday Schedule]]

## [[Test 1 Preparation Status]]

**Presenter**: [[David Kim]]

**[[Timeline]]**: [[First]] [[Hot Fire Test]] scheduled for [[December 28]], 2025 (30-[[Second Burn]])

**[[Test Objectives]]**:
- Validate [[Engine]] [[Ignition Sequence]] ([[Target]] (1s delay)
- Confirm [[Combustion Stability]] (no pressure oscillations)
- Validate [[Cooling System]] ([[Regenerative Cooling]] channels)
- Measure baseline [[Performance]] (thrust, ISP, [[Chamber Pressure]])

**[[Hardware Status]]**:

| Component | [[Status]] | [[Notes]] |
|-----------|--------|-------|
| [[Engine Design\|Engine assembly]] | ✅ [[Complete]] | [[Combustion Chamber]] + nozzle integrated |
| [[Turbopump]] | ✅ Delivered | [[Arrived Dec]] 20, acceptance test passed |
| [[Fuel Tanks]] | ✅ [[Ready]] | RP-1 tank [[Cleaned]] and pressure-tested |
| [[Oxidizer System]] | ✅ Ready | [[LOX Tank]] pre-chilled, leak-checked |
| [[Thrust Vector Control\|TVC actuators]] | ✅ Installed | [[Gimbal Range]] verified (±5°) |
| [[Engine Controller]] | 🔄 [[In Progress]] | [[Hardware]] installed, [[Software]] 85% complete |
| [[Ignition Sequence\|Igniter]] | ✅ Tested | Pyrotechnic igniter fired [[Successfully]] (5 tests) |
| [[Cooling System\|Cooling channels]] | ✅ [[Validated]] | Flow test passed, no blockages |

**[[Overall Readiness]]**: 95% ([[Engine Controller]] software remaining)

**[[David Kim]]**: "We're in great shape for [[Test 1]]. The [[Only]] remaining item is finalizing the engine controller software - specifically the emergency shutdown logic. I'm confident we'll be ready by [[Dec 28]]."

**[[Marcus Johnson]]**: "[[What]]'s the [[Risk]] if we [[Don]]'t finish the emergency shutdown logic?"

**David Kim**: "Low risk for Test 1 since it's a short burn (30s). We [[Have]] manual abort [[Via]] [[Ground]] [[Command]]. [[But]] for [[Tests 2]]-4, we'll [[Need]] automatic shutdown (e.g., if chamber pressure drops). I'll have it done by [[Dec 26]]."

**[[Action Item]]**:
- [ ] [[David Kim]]: Complete engine controller emergency shutdown logic 📅 2025-12-26

## [[Turbopump Delivery Update]]

**Presenter**: [[Marcus Johnson]]

**Status**: ✅ [[Turbopump]] delivered [[December 20]], 2025 (3 days early!)

**Vendor**: [[Precision Components Inc]] (single-source supplier)

**[[Acceptance Testing]]**:
- Spin test: ✅ Passed (32,000 RPM, no vibration issues)
- Flow test: ✅ Passed (15.8 kg/s @ [[Design]] point)
- Seal leakage: ✅ Passed (<0.01% leakage rate)
- Bearing temperature: ✅ Passed (85°C @ full speed, within spec)

**Performance Validation**:
- Target speed: 32,000 RPM
- Achieved: 32,100 RPM (100 RPM over, acceptable)
- Flow rate: 15.8 kg/s (matches design)
- Efficiency: 78% (exceeds 75% requirement)

**Marcus Johnson**: "The turbopump arrived early and performed beautifully in acceptance testing. This is our critical path component, so getting it 3 days early is a big win for the schedule."

**Sarah Chen**: "Great news. How confident are you in the supplier for future orders?"

**Marcus Johnson**: "High confidence for delivery, but we're still single-source. Per the [[2025-12-18 PDR Review\|PDR action item]], I'm evaluating backup suppliers. I have quotes from two vendors, both can deliver in 8-10 weeks if needed."

**Action Item**:
- [ ] [[Marcus Johnson]]: Finalize backup turbopump supplier evaluation 📅 2026-01-15

## [[Engine Controller Integration]]

**Presenter**: [[David Kim]]

**Hardware Status**: ✅ Complete
- Controller board installed in engine bay
- CAN bus wiring connected to flight computer
- Power distribution validated
- Sensor connections verified (pressure, temperature, flow)

**Software Status**: 85% Complete

**Completed Modules**:
- ✅ Ignition sequence (T-5s to T+2s)
- ✅ Steady-state control (chamber pressure regulation)
- ✅ Throttle control (50-100% range)
- ✅ TVC gimbal commands (±5° range)
- ✅ Sensor data acquisition (100 Hz)
- ✅ Telemetry transmission to flight computer

**Remaining Work**:
- 🔄 Emergency shutdown logic (auto-abort on anomalies)
- 🔄 CAN bus fault tolerance (switch to backup bus)
- ⏳ Software qualification testing (validation runs)

**Emergency Shutdown Triggers**:
1. Chamber pressure <7.0 MPa (too low, combustion unstable)
2. Chamber pressure )10.0 MPa (too high, structural risk)
3. Turbopump speed >35,000 RPM (overspeed, bearing failure risk)
4. Cooling [[System]] flow (80% (thermal runaway risk)
5. Loss of [[Communication]] with [[Flight Computer]] )500ms

**David Kim**: "Emergency shutdown logic is the [[Last]] critical piece. [[Once]] that's done, we'll [[Run]] 10 qualification tests in the lab (simulated sensor inputs, verify correct shutdown behavior)."

**Marcus Johnson**: "What's the timeline for qualification [[Testing]]?"

**David Kim**: "2 days - [[Dec]] 26-27. That gives us 1 day buffer before Test 1 on Dec 28."

**[[Sarah Chen]]**: "Make sure [[You]] document the qualification tests thoroughly. We'll need that for the [[Test Campaign Overview\|test campaign records]]."

**[[Action]] Item**:
- [ ] [[David Kim]]: Document engine controller qualification tests 📅 2025-12-27

## [[Propellant Procurement]]

**Presenter**: [[Marcus Johnson]]

**Test 1 [[Requirements]]**:
- LOX ([[Liquid Oxygen]]): 150 kg
- RP-1 (rocket-[[Grade]] kerosene): 63 kg
- GN2 (gaseous nitrogen, pressurization): 10 kg

**[[Delivery Status]]**:
- ✅ RP-1 delivered [[December 18]] (stored in fuel tank)
- ✅ GN2 bottles delivered [[December 19]] (6× 50L bottles)
- ⏳ [[LOX Delivery]] scheduled [[December 27]] (day before test)

**LOX [[Delivery Timing]]**:
- Vendor: Industrial gas supplier (local)
- Quantity: 200 kg (150 kg for test + 50 kg margin for boiloff)
- Delivery: [[Dec 27]], 08:00 (transferred to tank immediately)
- [[Boiloff Rate]]: ~5% per day (acceptable for 1-day hold)

**Marcus Johnson**: "LOX delivery is timed for minimum boiloff. We'll load it the day before the test, pre-chill the tank overnight, and fire on Dec 28 [[Morning]]."

**Sarah Chen**: "What's the backup plan if LOX delivery is delayed?"

**Marcus Johnson**: "We have a secondary supplier on standby. If primary delivery fails, we can [[Get]] LOX from the backup within 24 [[Hours]]. Worst case, we slip Test 1 by 1 day to [[Dec 29]]."

## [[Test Stand Readiness]]

**Presenter**: [[David Kim]]

**[[Test Facility]]**: [[University Rocket Test Stand]] (booked Dec 28, 09:00-12:00)

**[[Stand Preparation]]**:
- ✅ Thrust measurement system calibrated (0-50 kN range, ±1% accuracy)
- ✅ [[Data]] acquisition system tested (100 Hz sampling, 50+ channels)
- ✅ [[High]]-speed cameras positioned (1000 fps, 3 angles)
- ✅ [[Safety]] [[Systems]] checked (emergency shutdown, fire suppression)
- ✅ Propellant [[Loading]] procedures reviewed

**Instrumentation**:
- Chamber pressure: 3× sensors ([[Redundancy]])
- Thrust: Load cell (50 kN capacity)
- [[Turbopump Speed]]: Tachometer (optical)
- Cooling system: 12× thermocouples (chamber wall temperatures)
- Propellant flow: 2× flow meters (LOX, RP-1)
- Exhaust temperature: Pyrometer (non-contact)

**[[Test Sequence]]** (Dec 28):
```
08:00 - Arrive at test facility, safety briefing
08:30 - LOX transfer to oxidizer tank (2 hours)
10:30 - Final systems check (all sensors, data acquisition)
11:00 - Propellant loading complete, begin countdown
11:15 - T-15 minutes: Clear test area (all personnel to bunker)
11:25 - T-5 minutes: Arm ignition system
11:28 - T-2 minutes: Final go/no-go poll
11:29 - T-1 minute: Start data acquisition
11:30 - T-0: Ignition command
11:30 - T+30s: Engine cutoff (planned)
11:31 - T+1 minute: Propellant safing, purge lines
12:00 - Post-test inspection, data download
```

**David Kim**: "Test stand is fully ready. We did a [[Full]] dry run last week ([[Everything]] except actually firing the engine). [[All]] systems worked perfectly."

**Marcus Johnson**: "Weather forecast for Dec 28?"

**David Kim**: "Looks [[Good]] - clear skies, 10°C, light wind. No [[Concerns]]."

## [[Holiday Schedule]]

**Marcus Johnson**: "Quick update on [[Holiday]] schedule. We're running a skeleton crew through the holidays to support Test 1."

**[[Team Coverage]]**:
- **[[Dec 23]]-25** (Mon-Wed): [[Team]] off (Christmas holiday)
- **Dec 26** (Thu): David Kim + 1 technician (software qualification testing)
- **Dec 27** (Fri): Marcus Johnson + David Kim + 2 technicians (LOX delivery, final prep)
- **Dec 28** ([[Sat]]): Full team (Test 1 [[Execution]])
- **Dec 29-[[Jan 1]]** (Sun-Wed): Team off (New Year holiday)
- **[[Jan 2]]** (Thu): Team returns, Test 1 [[Data Analysis]]

**Marcus Johnson**: "I'll be [[Available]] via phone all week if any issues come up. But I'm confident we'll stay [[On Schedule]]."

**Sarah Chen**: "Thanks for the holiday [[Coverage]], team. [[This]] is a critical test and I appreciate everyone's dedication."

## [[Test 1 Risk Assessment]]

**Presenter**: [[Marcus Johnson]]

**[[Top Risks]] for Test 1**:

1. **R-021: [[Hot Fire Anomaly]]** (Score: 9, MEDIUM)
   - Risk: Unexpected combustion behavior (instability, hard start, etc.)
   - Mitigation: Conservative [[Test Plan]] (30s short burn), extensive instrumentation
   - Likelihood: Medium (first integrated [[Hot Fire]] always risky)
   - Impact: High (test failure delays campaign by 2-4 [[Weeks]])

2. **R-025: LOX [[Delivery Delay]]** (Score: 6, LOW-MEDIUM)
   - Risk: LOX delivery delayed by supplier
   - Mitigation: Backup supplier on standby, 1-day slip acceptable
   - Likelihood: Low (supplier reliable)
   - Impact: Medium (1-day schedule slip)

3. **R-026: [[Engine Controller Software Bug]]** (Score: 6, LOW-MEDIUM)
   - Risk: Software bug causes abort or incorrect behavior
   - Mitigation: Qualification testing Dec 26-27, manual abort available
   - Likelihood: Low (85% complete, tested in lab)
   - Impact: Medium (retest [[Required]], 1-week delay)

**[[Overall Risk Level]]**: 🟡 MEDIUM (acceptable for first test)

**Marcus Johnson**: "This is our first integrated [[Hot]] fire, so [[Some]] risk is expected. We've mitigated the major concerns with conservative [[Test Planning]] and backup suppliers."

**Sarah Chen**: "Agreed. [[The 30]]-second [[Burn Duration]] is appropriate for Test 1. If we [[See]] any anomalies, we abort early and investigate."

## [[Action Items Summary]]

| Owner | Task | [[Due Date]] | Status |
|-------|------|----------|--------|
| [[David Kim]] | Complete engine controller emergency shutdown logic | 📅 2025-12-26 | 🔄 In Progress |
| [[David Kim]] | Document engine controller qualification tests | 📅 2025-12-27 | ⏳ [[Planned]] |
| [[Marcus Johnson]] | Finalize backup turbopump supplier evaluation | 📅 2026-01-15 | ⏳ Planned |

## [[Decisions Made]]

1. ✅ **Test 1 date confirmed**: December 28, 2025, 11:30 [[AM]]
2. ✅ **LOX delivery schedule**: December 27, 08:00 (day before test)
3. ✅ **Holiday coverage approved**: Skeleton crew Dec 26-28 for test support

## [[Next Steps]]

1. **Dec 26**: Engine controller software qualification testing
2. **Dec 27**: LOX delivery and final test prep
3. **Dec 28**: Test 1 execution (30-second burn)
4. **Jan 2**: Team returns, Test 1 data analysis and [[Test 2]] planning

**Marcus Johnson**: "Alright team, we're in great shape. Let's get through the holidays, execute Test 1 flawlessly, and start 2026 [[Strong]]. See you all on the 26th."

## [[Related Notes]]

[[Propulsion System]]:
- [[Engine Design]] - [[Engine Specifications]]
- [[Turbopump]] - Turbopump delivery and acceptance
- [[Engine Controller]] - Controller [[Integration Status]]
- [[Fuel Tanks]] - RP-1 storage
- [[Oxidizer System]] - LOX [[Handling]]
- [[Ignition Sequence]] - Ignition system
- [[Cooling System]] - Regenerative cooling

[[Test Documentation]]:
- [[Test Campaign Overview]] - Master test plan
- [[Engine Hot Fire Results]] - Future: Test 1 [[Results]] will be [[Documented]] here

[[Project Management]]:
- [[Project Roadmap]] - Test 1 milestone
- [[Risk Register]] - R-021, R-025, R-026
- [[Team Roster]] - Propulsion team

[[Meetings]]:
- [[2025-12-18 PDR Review]] - PDR action item on backup turbopump supplier
- [[2026-01-02 Sprint Planning]] - Future: [[Test 3]] [[Results Review]]

---

*[[Meeting Notes]] by [[David Kim]] - 2025-12-23*
*[[Next Meeting]]: Jan 2 [[Sprint Planning]] (Test 1 results review)*
