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SS-TEM : Short Stack Technical Evaluation Motor
Another major technological challenge facing the Sugar Shot program, the SS-TEM is a
full-diameter version of the proposed full-size motor slated for the eXSShot space flight
attempt. A major difference from the full-scale version is that the SS-TEM is a much
shortened version. Whereas each chamber of the full-scale motor is slated to contain 6
grain segments, the “Short Stack” will be limited to 2 grain segments, and will not be
dual-burn. The motor will have an integral delay plug with the aim of confirming its
operation in a full diameter configuration.
The SS-TEM is intended solely as a static test motor However, unlike the BEM, the SS-TEM
is designed with a minimum weight philosophy in mind, an exercise that should
prove beneficial for the future eXSShot motor development.
Objectives:
· To test manufacturing techniques for large-scale components similar to that fullsize
flight motor
· To test the structural and thermal capability of the various motor materials and
design techniques that are directly applicable to the full-size motor.
· To obtain actual performance data for comparison to predicted, and thus aid in the
design of the flight vehicle motors and subsequent static test motors.
· To develop an efficient and safe large-scale propellant production method
· To obtain motor-specific operating characteristics of the KNSB propellant in a
full-diameter configuration
· Confirm delay-plug concept is feasible on a full-size scale
 Pictures and video of actual work on the BEM and SS-TEM
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