Simulated Release Of Main Parachute
Alliant Techsystems successfully conducted a full-scale
separation of NASA's Ares I-X Forward Skirt Extension at its
Promontory facility last week, in preparation for this summer's
flight test of Ares I-X.
The test simulated a separation event that will take place
following the first stage flight of Ares I-X. The booster will be
separated at the frustum - a cone-shaped piece that attaches the
first stage to the larger diameter upper stage. Following
separation, the booster will return to earth for recovery and
reuse.
At an altitude of about 15,000 feet the nose cone will be
jettisoned, deploying the pilot parachute. The pilot chute will in
turn deploy the drogue parachute, which will re-orient the booster
to vertical and slow it to acceptable conditions for main parachute
deployment. At about 4,000 feet, the separation at the base of the
forward skirt extension occurs, pulling out the three main chutes
packed within.
Test objectives included the demonstration that the linear
shaped charge used to separate the forward skirt extension created
a clean severance, and measurement of the shock created by that
charge. The data will be used to analyze the system and prepare for
the Ares I-X test, as well as in the development of Ares I.
The forward skirt extension is built to withstand the loads of
the first stage, and support the weight of the upper stage. The
component is built as one solid piece of aircraft-grade aluminum
forged into a 6 foot long by 12 foot diameter cylinder with a
unique internal support structure that houses three newly-designed
main parachutes. Its state-of-the-art design will withstand the
force that will be imparted at main chute deployment.
"This was an important milestone for the program, as it
validates key parameters to support the upcoming Ares I-X flight
test," said Mike Kahn, ATK Space Systems executive vice president.
"The program is one step closer to the flight test of Ares I-X and
demonstrating many of the key attributes of this system."
Separately, the four solid rocket segments for Ares I-X will
ship to Kennedy Space Center in March. Integration of the segments
with the simulated fifth segment and upper stage will then begin in
the Vehicle Assembly Building in preparation for the Ares I-X test
flight. The segments and aft exit cone have been instrumented with
more than 100 sensors. The motor has a distinctive "Z strip" paint
job that enhances the ability of the test team to observe rolling
motions during ascent and tumbling motions during separation and
recovery. This will provide valuable flight data for NASA to verify
models for the Ares I program.
"Shipment of the segments will put ATK and NASA on track to
begin stacking the vehicle for its important test flight this
summer," Kahn added.