Author_Institution :
Thiokol Propulsion, Brigham City, UT, USA
Abstract :
The presentation describes the function of rockets to launch the space shuttle into the space, different processes involved in rocket manufacturing, fuel mixing process including ingredients of the fuel, casting, static test, igniter installation, shipment of the segments to Kennedy Space Center (KSC), assembly at KSC, etc. It also involves space Orbiter installation, launch preparation, launch, motor separation from the space shuttle, retrieving the rockets from sea and return for inspection, cleaning and refurbishment. Each rocket weighs about 1,100,000 pounds (of which 1,000,000 pounds is fuel). Both the motors burn for about 2 minutes (burning about 2,000,000 pounds of fuel) and generating about 6,000,000 pounds of thrust). The total length of the rocket assembly (rocket booster) is about 149 feet.
Keywords :
assembling; fuel systems; inspection; rockets; casting; cleaning; fuel mixing process; igniter installation; inspection; refurbishment; rocket assembly; rocket booster; rocket manufacturing; space orbiter installation; space shuttle; static test; Assembly; Fuels; Physics; Rockets; Sensors; Space shuttles;