Test Supports Upcoming Shuttle, Ares I Launches
Aero-News has learned late Thursday night, Alliant Techsystems
conducted a test firing of a Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM).
The test had numerous objectives to obtain and validate performance
data on upgrades being analyzed for the future. Among them was to
collect nighttime imagery data in support of night launches of the
Space Shuttle.
The test also collected data that will be used to assist NASA in
the development of its next-generation crew launch vehicle, the
Ares I. Preliminary results from the test indicate that all test
objectives were achieved.
The Reusable Solid Rocket Motor generated 2.6 million pounds of
average thrust throughout the duration of the test, which lasted
approximately two minutes -- the same duration the motors fire when
launching the Space Shuttle.
"ATK and NASA are committed to continued testing in order to
ensure the safety of the Shuttle and crew," said Ron Dittemore,
President of ATK Launch Systems. "We are equally committed to a
robust test schedule that supports NASA's development of the new
Ares I launch vehicle."
This was the first night static firing in the RSRM testing
program since 1992. The static firings are a critical component of
NASA's safety program. During the static firing, NASA and ATK
conducted extensive nighttime imagery tests. Since a night launch
poses additional challenges to capturing imagery due to the effects
that the bright light from the rocket's thrust has on the cameras,
NASA installed 31 cameras on the test range to ensure that they
have sufficient imagery. The data will be used to test various
techniques and camera settings for nighttime imagery captured in
future launches.
The test was also used to assist in
the development of the Ares I roll control system. It measured the
amount of vibration, acoustic and roll-torque experienced by the
motor during a launch. This information will provide valuable data
to help NASA and ATK determine the appropriate size of the roll
control system for the Ares I crew launch vehicle.
The new vehicle is an in-line design with the crew capsule and
escape tower on top, patterned after the Saturn rockets that helped
take the Apollo capsule to the moon. The roll control system is a
vital part of Ares I vehicle, keeping it on a stable trajectory
during flight.
"This is a great example of the true synergy between the Shuttle
program and the Ares project," Dittemore added. "Thanks to this
teamwork, we are able to collect data and perform analysis early in
the development stage of Ares I."
ATK is a $3.4-billion advanced weapon and space systems company
employing approximately 15,000 people in 22 states.