Alliant Techsystems successfully tested a full-scale Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) Friday in support of NASA’s Space Shuttle program. The RSRM, designated as Flight Support Motor (FSM) No. 12, fired for approximately 123 seconds, the same duration each RSRM operates during an actual Space Shuttle Launch.
The flight support motor program is designed to continue verification of RSRM elements, including components, materials and processes. Static testing also provides the opportunity to evaluate or certify design, process and supplier modifications for the RSRM program. Today’s test employed 711 instrumentation channels to evaluate 62 objectives. Preliminary data indicate all test objectives were met.
The RSRM consists of four solid propulsion segments that measure 126 feet in length and 12 feet in diameter when assembled. Of the motor’s total weight of 1.25 million pounds, propellant accounts for 1.1 million pounds. During its 123-second action time, each RSRM generates an average thrust of 2.6 million pounds.
ATK is a $3.3 billion advanced weapon and space systems company employing approximately 15,000 people in 23 states. News and information can be found on the Internet at http://www.atk.com .
