Description of Driving Event:
Shortcomings in hardware design details for Alternate High Pressure Fuel Turbo Pump (ATP HPFTP)
Lesson(s) Learned:
The Block II SSME development program has proceeded well, except for the Alternate Turbopump Program High Pressure Fuel Turbopump (ATP HPFTP). The HPFTP has suffered significant failures in testing, which were traced to shortcomings in hardware design details. Corrective actions have been implemented on the HPFTP. Block II engine testing has resumed for this major safety improvement.
Recommendation(s):
Continue the development and certification test programs as originally planned. Accumulate the specified test operating times for the modified ATP HPFTP, and employ the number of test pumps as per the original test plan.
Evidence of Recurrence Control Effectiveness:
The SSME project is committed to meet the original development and certification plan requirements. The schedule for certification has been adjusted to accommodate comprehensive resolution of the development problems. Scheduled completion of certification testing is now February 1998. As originally planned, the total "hot-fire time" for development and certification will exceed 60,000 seconds, utilizing eight HPFTP units. Certification will be based on two units with 22 tests each, and "hot-fire time" of 11,000 seconds per pump or 22,000 seconds total certification time.
Documents Related to Lesson:
N/A
Mission Directorate(s):
- Space Operations
- Exploration Systems
Additional Key Phrase(s):
- Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel
- Research & Development
- Test & Verification
Additional Info:
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