NASA's First Stage Test Is Currently Scheduled For Early
September
Engineers and technicians at Alliant Techsystems and NASA have
completed installation work on the second Ares I First Stage
five-segment Development Motor (DM-2), in preparation for its
static-fire, which is currently scheduled for early September.
The Ares I First Stage is the largest solid rocket motor ever
built. It was designed to maximize astronaut safety while providing
the nation with a reliable launch capability for both crew and
cargo missions. As the prime contractor, ATK continues to perform
on schedule and cost in support of NASA's space exploration
programs. The motor, which is 154 feet in length and 12 feet in
diameter, has been installed horizontally in a specialized test
stand in Utah. Results from this test will be compared with data
from the ground test of the first five-segment motor and Ares I-X
test flight both successfully completed last year.
"A robust ground and flight test program is a critical part of
human-rating to ensure reliability and safety when launching crew
into any orbit," said Charlie Precourt, VP and GM of ATK Space
Launch Systems. "This test is a vital milestone in further growing
the performance database for this new five-segment solid rocket
motor."
Although the five-segment motor is based on the design heritage
of the flight-proven Solid Rocket Boosters on the Space Shuttle
Program, it was upgraded utilizing modern technologies and
materials. These include the addition of a fifth segment, changes
to the propellant grain, a larger nozzle opening and upgraded
insulation and liner. "We designed this motor using a knowledge
base gained from over three decades of operations, during which we
constantly monitored and improved our design," said Precourt.
Ares 1X Launch NASA Photo
ATK technicians are in the process of instrumenting the
five-segment rocket with sensors and gages to collect measurements
on more than 750 data channels. This information will be used to
evaluate performance, roll control, acoustics, motor vibrations,
oscillations, nozzle modifications and insulation upgrades. The
full-scale motor test will advance the safety, technology and
knowledge of solid rocket motors. When fired, the motor will
produce 3.6 million pounds of maximum thrust or 22 million
horsepower. Utilizing the in-line configuration with a single
five-segment solid rocket motor first stage and liquid upper stage,
this launch vehicle is designed to lift more than 54,000 pounds of
payload directly to Low Earth Orbit.
"The combination of a solid propulsion first stage and liquid
propulsion upper stage provides optimum payload capability,
reliability and lowest cost," said Precourt. "These motors were
designed not only to carry humans to orbit but also for use on a
heavy lift vehicle where performance and reliability are key
requirements."
The DM-2 ground test will:
- Validate numerous design improvements to the insulation, liner,
propellant and nozzle systems.
- Provide side load data that can be used in future test flights
leading to heavy lift development.
- Compare roll torque data to information collected from the
stable flight of Ares I-X to further the design of the roll control
system.
The first stage is designed to be recovered and reused. This
enables NASA and ATK to collect vital post-flight information and
performance data, confirming a safe and robust design.
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