NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Structural and mechanical design challenges of space shuttle solid rocket boosters separation and recovery subsystemsThe design of the space shuttle solid rocket booster (SRB) subsystems for reuse posed some unique and challenging design considerations. The separation of the SRBs from the cluster (orbiter and external tank) at 150,000 ft when the orbiter engines are running at full thrust meant the two SRBs had to have positive separation forces pushing them away. At the same instant, the large attachments that had reacted launch loads of 7.5 million pounds thrust had to be servered. These design considerations dictated the design requirements for the pyrotechnics and separation rocket motors. The recovery and reuse of the two SRBs meant they had to be safely lowered to the ocean, remain afloat, and be owed back to shore. In general, both the pyrotechnic and recovery subsystems have met or exceeded design requirements. In twelve vehicles, there has only been one instance where the pyrotechnic system has failed to function properly.
Document ID
19850008608
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Woodis, W. R.
(Martin Marietta Corp. Denver, Colo., United States)
Runkle, R. E.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: NASA. Johnson Space Center Space Shuttle Tech. Conf., Pt. 1
Subject Category
Space Transportation
Accession Number
85N16917
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
No Preview Available