ATK Aerospace Systems of Magna, Utah, on Sept. 8 test fired a prototype of the shuttle-heritage solid-rocket booster that is intended to be a part of the Space Launch System (SLS), the next U.S.-owned heavy-lift rocket.
“Initial test data indicate the motor performed as designed,” ATK wrote in a Sept. 8 press release. The five-segment booster was fired on a test stand near Magna. The test lasted just over two minutes, ATK said.
“This test is the third in a critical series of static tests to evolve and confirm the motor configuration while providing applicable technology maturation for next-generation systems,” said Charlie Precourt, ATK Aerospace Systems vice president and general manager for space launch systems. “This milestone is another step towards completing our Critical Design Technical Interchange activity this fall.”
During the test, “intentional flaws were introduced in the joint to allow hot gas to penetrate into part of the robust joint to verify joint performance.”
ATK spokesman George Torres said in an email to Space News that the test results were “right on track.”
In a separate statement, ATK announced that it would move its corporate headquarters to Arlington, Va., effective Oct. 1. ATK currently is based in Minneapolis. Its Aerospace Systems unit would remain in Utah.
