The booster forward skirt provides the critical connection between NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) core stage and its twin solid rocket boosters. The hardware proved it could withstand millions of pounds of launch load during a series of tests in May. To be sure to cover all possible scenarios, the structure was tested again in early August — increasing the liftoff and ascent conditions to more than a dozen scenarios, and ultimately to structural failure. Completion of this testing and some remaining analysis brings NASA closer to using this proven hardware on SLS.
The forward skirt, which houses the electronics for igniting, steering and jettisoning the two five-segment boosters, is at the top of the booster and is the primary attachment point to the SLS core stage. This connection carries all of the 3.5 million pounds of thrust created by each of the boosters during launch and ascent.
ATK is the prime contractor for the SLS solid rocket boosters. Structural testing was completed at ATK’s test facility in Promontory, Utah.
When completed, SLS will be capable of taking crew and cargo on deep space missions, including to an asteroid and eventually to Mars. The SLS 70-metric-ton (77-ton) initial configuration will launch an un-crewed Orion spacecraft to demonstrate the integrated system performance of the SLS rocket and spacecraft prior to a crewed flight.
Visit this link for a previous story on forward skirt testing, including a videocast of booster engineers explaining the benefits of the tests.
Original article: http://www.nasa.gov/sls/multimedia/gallery/sls-booster-forward-skirt.html#.U_9MyTKwKtN
Image Credit: ATK