REM%IMSSS@SU-AI.ARPA (Robert Elton Maas) (10/20/86)
HS> Date: 7 Oct 86 22:21:41 GMT HS> From: clyde!watmath!utzoo!henry@caip.rutgers.edu (Henry Spencer) HS> Subject: space news from Sept 1 AW&ST HS> ... and a general policy HS> of trying to maintain both the Shuttle and expendables, and trying to HS> make critical payloads compatible with both. My personal opinion is they should have done that all along and I applaud the change in policy at this time. HS> First test of SRB joints using a new test rig at Morton Thiokol. The HS> test setup is essentially a shortened SRB built out of fewer segments. HS> Initial tests will use the old joint design for calibration, then new HS> features will be tested. Testing vertically but with fewer segments sounds like a reasonable compromise. Calibrating on old design first then comparing with new design sounds like good procedure and I applaud the decision.