The aft segment for a full-scale version of a five-segment solid rocket booster for NASA’s Space Launch System has been cast at Orbital ATK’s facility in Promontory, Utah. SLS will be the most powerful rocket ever built for deep space missions, including to an asteroid and ultimately to Mars. The aft segment will eventually be integrated with the other four booster segments for a second booster qualification test, scheduled for 2016. The first SLS qualification test for the booster was successfully completed March 11 at Orbital ATK. The second test will support qualification by specifically assessing performance at the cooler end of the motor’s accepted propellant temperature range. After qualification is complete, the boosters will then be ready to proceed toward the first flight of SLS. Orbital ATK is the prime contractor for the boosters. Learn more about the boosters here.
Image Credit: Orbital ATK