Overview

The transition is an aeroshell that covers the other contents of the interstage. It is a composite and metallic part that also helps support the second stage. The transition bolts onto the mission package above the switch band.

Design Evolution

Initially it was suspected that that spherical bearing would be required, however, this was hard to implement, and we're trying it without one.

Manufacturing

A two part mold was developed to produce the transition. It was 3D printed on a Lulzbot Taz 6 in PETG. It had to be scaled to 89% on the x-axis to fit on the bed. The mold warped during printing due to thermal stresses. Dimensional inspection post printing revealed the mold to still be acceptable.