markf@scicom.AlphaCDC.COM (Mark Felton) (10/26/86)
NASA NEWS -> October 2 NASA SELECTS HORIZONTAL CONFIGURATION FOR JOINT TEST After an intensive study, NASA has determined that the redesigned Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) will be test fired in a horizontal attitude. This test attitude best simulates the critical conditions on the field joint which failed during the STS 51-L mission. NASA also will conduct extensive component tests, full-segment joint environmental simulation tests (with loads applied) and full scale motor static tests to verify and certify the redesigned motor for flight. Also being considered at this time is the construction of a second horizontal test stand with the capability of simulating launch and flight loads on the motor during static test. This second horizontal test facility, which should be ready for use in about 12 months at a location still to be determined, would provide additional test capability and redundancy in case of the loss of the only test facility now available to NASA. The Presidential Commission investigating the STS 51-L accident recommended that NASA consider the vertical attitude for the motor firing s and duplicate the actual flight conditions as closely as possible. It is NASA's belief that testing in the horizontal attitude is the most demanding test of the redesigned joint for the pressure and flight-induced loads and thus best satisfies the Commission's intent. These findings were reviewed within NASA's technical community, with the Shuttle management's formal review system, and SRM design overview committee composed of NASA and industry experts, and the U.S. Air Force team which is responsible for returning the Titan launch vehicle to flight status. They also were presented to the independent SRM design review panel of experts established under the auspices of the National Research Council. NASA believes that the test plan being implemented will provide the correct basis for flight verification of the redesigned SRM. ____________________________________________________________________________ NASA News Release 86-139 Sarah Keegan Headquarters, Washington, D.C. Reprinted with permission for electronic distribution