ATK and NASA Conduct Successful Test Fire of Reusable Solid Rocket Motor
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Date: 26 Mrch 2009 - 27 Mrch 2009
Location: Washington, DC, United States
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Test Objectives Collected for Both Shuttle and Ares I Programs
(Minneapolis, December 4, 2008) -- The Utah desert was filled with the sound of a rocket as Alliant Techsystems once again conducted a successful test firing of NASA's reusable solid rocket motor (RSRM). Data collected during the test will be used to further ensure the safety of the remaining shuttle flights and provide valuable information which will be utilized on the Ares I program.
The world's largest solid rocket motor measuring more than 126 feet in length and 12 feet in diameter generated the equivalent of 15 million horsepower throughout the duration of the test, which lasted approximately two minutes. A total of 55 test objectives collected through 385 instrument channels were conducted as part of this test. These included obtaining performance data on the nozzle joints, aft exit cone, accelerometer, ultrasonic measurements, and temperature and age-certification data.
The motor was seven and a half years old, just slightly older than the motor ATK tested in May of this year, making it the oldest RSRM to ever be fired. Older motors are tested to ensure performance has not changed over time. Currently, solid rocket motors used on a shuttle launch cannot be more than five years old.
"This test will aid in the development of Ares I and help provide a smooth transition as the shuttle program comes to an end and efforts on Ares I development ramp up even more," said Mike Kahn, executive vice president and general manager, ATK Launch Systems. "Performing ground tests allows us to validate performance, qualify new components and ensure safety."
Source :
Alliant Techsystems (ATK)
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