Story Continues BelowThe flight support motor, or FSM-17, burned for approximately 123 seconds -- the same time each reusable solid rocket motor burns during an actual space shuttle launch. Preliminary indications show all test objectives were met. After final test data are analyzed, results for each objective will be published in a NASA report.

The space shuttle is scheduled to retire this year after completing four additional flights. The ground test program, with the philosophy of "test before flight," was used from the inception of the shuttle program to qualify materials, improve motor performance and gain a complete understanding of its flight characteristics.

The final test was conducted to ensure the safe flight of the four remaining space shuttle missions. A total of 43 design objectives were measured through 258 instrument channels during the two-minute static firing. The flight motor tested represents motors that will be used for all remaining space shuttle launches.

Since 1988, 210 RSRMs have flown on 105 shuttle missions. ATK has conducted 34 ground tests during that period that have enabled new materials, enhanced performance, and human rated safety margins to be adequately tested and verified before incorporating them into flight hardware.

"These tests have built a base of engineering knowledge that continued engineering development of the reusable solid rocket motor system and the continued safe and successful launch of space shuttles," Beaman said. "They have provided an engineering model and lessons learned for additional applications in future launch systems."

The test - the 52nd conducted for NASA by ATK - marks the closure of a test program that has spanned more than three decades. The first test was in July 1977. The ATK-built motors have successfully launched the space shuttle into orbit 129 times.

"Today's test was a great deal more than the successful conclusion to a series of highly successful NASA/ATK-sponsored static tests that began more than three decades ago," said David Beaman, Reusable Solid Rocket Booster project manager at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala. The project, part of the Space Shuttle Propulsion Office, is responsible for motor design, development, manufacturing, assembly, testing and flight performance.

"Successfully conducting 52 ground tests and launching 210 operational motors using the current robust design is a testament to the dedication, work ethic, and unique skills of ATK's workforce," said Mike Kahn, executive vice president, ATK Space Systems. "I want to commend this team for a great accomplishment. We look forward to utilizing the skills of our workforce as we move toward the next generation of human space flight."

The solid rocket motor tested today measures more than 126 feet in length and 12 feet in diameter. It generated the equivalent of 15 million horsepower throughout the duration of the test, which lasted approximately two minutes.

A total of 43 design objectives were measured through 258 instrument channels. Objectives included ensuring the final shuttle motors were built with the level of quality required to safely put astronauts into space, demonstrating performance of minor upgrades to materials, and testing acoustic measurements around the aft end of the motor that will provide valuable data for the Ares program.

"These solid rocket motors have proven themselves to be the safest and most reliable human-rated launch system," said Charlie Precourt, vice president and general manager of Space Launch Systems and former four-time shuttle astronaut. "The investment made in this technology, infrastructure and skilled work force has created a national asset that is prepared to support a successful transition to the country's next human-rated space system."

The data from this ground test will also aid in continued development of the five-segment motor which is scheduled for its second ground test this fall. Last year ATK successfully conducted the first Ares five-segment ground test as well as the first flight test of the Ares I-X vehicle. Planned upgrades for the five-segment motor are expected to improve overall system reliability and reduce system costs going forward.

(Source: ATK / NASA)

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Final test firing of reusable solid rocket motor FSM-17 on Feb. 25 in Promontory, Utah. (NASA)


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Final test firing of reusable solid rocket motor FSM-17 on Feb. 25 in Promontory, Utah. (NASA)


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Final test firing of reusable solid rocket motor FSM-17 on Feb. 25 in Promontory, Utah. (NASA)


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Smoke curls into the Utah skies as FSM-17 completes its successful test firing. (NASA)


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Flight Support Motor-17, the final solid rocket ground test motor of the Space Shuttle program. (ATK)


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Mist surrounds Flight Support Motor-17 prior to a successful test on Feb. 25 in Promontory, Utah. (NASA)