Jay Clemens
ATK has installed NASA’s solid rocket motor in a test stand in preparation for the system’s static-fire test scheduled on March 11.
The space launch system booster qualification motor will undergo ground testing in Utah at higher temperature to qualify the five-segment motor’s capability to carry humans and cargo across the solar system, ATK said Thursday.
“Testing before flight is critical to ensure reliability and safety when launching crew into space,” said Charlie Precourt, vice president and general manager of ATK’s space launch division.
“The QM-1 static test is an important step in further qualifying this new five-segment solid rocket motor for the subsequent planned missions to send astronauts to deep space.”
QM-1 is designed to produce 3.6 million pounds of maximum thrust when fired to propel the space launch system off the launch pad.
ATK technicians are collecting measurements on more than 500 data channels to assess the rocket’s motor performance, acoustics, vibrations, nozzle modifications, insulation upgrades and avionics command and control performance.
