yee@ames.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (10/11/88)
MSFC STATUS REPORT
October 9, 1988
FIRST STS-26 SRM SEGMENTS DEMATED
The first STS-26 solid rocket motor segments were demated Sunday
in Florida and NASA officials said they looked "exceptionally
good." The first segment disassembled and inspected was the aft
of the left hand motor. Officials reported that there was
absolutely no evidence of gas pressure to any of the O-rings,
including the new capture feature O-ring. That means that the
bonded J-seal insulation, although not an actual seal, in fact did
seal the joint. Both of the other field joints on the left motor
were also demated Sunday and initial visual inspection of those
also show no sign of any gas reaching O-rings. The STS-26 motor
disassembly process is ahead of schedule and officials believe all
three field joints of the right motor will be demated tomorrow.
Ed Medal
MSFC Public Affairs