Ares I DM-2 Motor Test - Aug 31, 2010

[rdale]

DM-2 scheduled for Sept 2, 2010

http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/466575main_07022010_wkly_summary.pdf

[jacqmans]

News Release Issued: July 7, 2010 9:00 AM EDT

ATK Completes Installation of World's Largest Solid Rocket Motor for Ground Test
NASA's First Stage Test is Currently Scheduled for Early September
PROMONTORY, Utah, July 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Engineers and technicians at Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) and NASA have completed installation work on the second Ares I First Stage five-segment Development Motor (DM-2), in preparation for its static-fire, which is currently scheduled for early September.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100707/CG31370)

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100707/CG31370)

The Ares I First Stage is the largest solid rocket motor ever built.  It was designed to maximize astronaut safety while providing the nation with a reliable launch capability for both crew and cargo missions.  As the prime contractor, ATK continues to perform on schedule and cost in support of NASA's space exploration programs.

The motor, which is 154 feet in length and 12 feet in diameter, has been installed horizontally in a specialized test stand in Utah.  Results from this test will be compared with data from the ground test of the first five-segment motor and Ares I-X test flight both successfully completed last year.

"A robust ground and flight test program is a critical part of human-rating to ensure reliability and safety when launching crew into any orbit," said Charlie Precourt, VP and GM of ATK Space Launch Systems. "This test is a vital milestone in further growing the performance database for this new five-segment solid rocket motor."

Although the five-segment motor is based on the design heritage of the flight-proven Solid Rocket Boosters on the Space Shuttle Program, it was upgraded utilizing modern technologies and materials.  These include the addition of a fifth segment, changes to the propellant grain, a larger nozzle opening and upgraded insulation and liner.

"We designed this motor using a knowledge base gained from over three decades of operations, during which we constantly monitored and improved our design," said Precourt.

ATK technicians are in the process of instrumenting the five-segment rocket with sensors and gages to collect measurements on more than 750 data channels. This information will be used to evaluate performance, roll control, acoustics, motor vibrations, oscillations, nozzle modifications and insulation upgrades. The full-scale motor test will advance the safety, technology and knowledge of solid rocket motors.

When fired, the motor will produce 3.6 million pounds of maximum thrust or 22 million horsepower.  Utilizing the in-line configuration with a single five-segment solid rocket motor first stage and liquid upper stage, this launch vehicle is designed to lift more than 54,000 pounds of payload directly to Low Earth Orbit.

"The combination of a solid propulsion first stage and liquid propulsion upper stage provides optimum payload capability, reliability and lowest cost," said Precourt. "These motors were designed not only to carry humans to orbit but also for use on a heavy lift vehicle where performance and reliability are key requirements."

The DM-2 ground test will:

Validate numerous design improvements to the insulation, liner, propellant and nozzle systems.
Provide side load data that can be used in future test flights leading to heavy lift development.
Compare roll torque data to information collected from the stable flight of Ares I-X to further the design of the roll control system.


The first stage is designed to be recovered and reused. This enables NASA and ATK to collect vital post-flight information and performance data, confirming a safe and robust design.

ATK is a premier aerospace and defense company with more than 18,000 employees in 24 states, Puerto Rico and internationally, and revenues of approximately $4.8 billion.  News and information can be found on the Internet at www.atk.com.

[edkyle99]

... also, the small issue of shaking the crew

That problem was addressed.

Two higher-res. images of what could end up being the prototype booster for Sen. Nelson's new rocket. 

 - Ed Kyle

[renclod]

Anyone care to take a stab at the pros & cons for a layperson like myself? Thanks.

I am sure many would care, but hopefully not here in this thread.
This is a DM-2 test dedicated thread.
Let's keep it on topic.

[phred]

So, the temperature of this motor will be lowered for the test.  I wonder how this is done.  It's a big motor.

Also, is the temperature lowered to test for the likelihood of a Challenger accident sort of problem?

phred

[Downix]

So, the temperature of this motor will be lowered for the test.  I wonder how this is done.  It's a big motor.

Also, is the temperature lowered to test for the likelihood of a Challenger accident sort of problem?

phred

Give me a few hundred gallons of LN2, I'll get the temperature down....

[renclod]

So, the temperature of this motor will be lowered for the test.  ... is the temperature lowered to test for the likelihood of a Challenger accident sort of problem?

The main goal is to characterize dispersions due to MBT variations.
MBT=mean bulk temperature (of the solid propellant)
When the solid propellant is warm, it burns faster, more energetic.
When cold, it burns less energetic, and longer.
In all, the total impulse generated is approx. the same.
But this dispersion influences the launch trajectory and must be accounted for.
The Shuttle does that too.
It is also quite important for the Orion's LAS (the tractor motor's characteristics, not the RSRMV).
And of course it is important for a single stick launcher's first stage, like Ares I. Also for a booster like Ares V.

[renclod]

http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/470054main_july162010_wkly_summary.pdf

"... specifically conditioned to 40 °F propellant mean bulk temperature.
Specific test objectives associated with the cold temperature include
demonstration of low temperature o-rings (no heaters),
internal insulation/field joint j-leg performance,
and overall ballistic performance of the RSRMV."

[rsnellenberger]

"demonstration of low temperature o-rings (no heaters)"

It's good to see that Roger Boisjoly's tests finally got scheduled...

[Calphor]

So, the temperature of this motor will be lowered for the test.  I wonder how this is done.  It's a big motor.

Also, is the temperature lowered to test for the likelihood of a Challenger accident sort of problem?

phred

There is actually a building that has been rolled (it is on a track) over the motor and the entire building has been cooled to the correct conditioning temperature. Once the motor has been properly conditioned, just before firing, the building will be rolled back exposing the motor for the test fire.

[Calphor]

"demonstration of low temperature o-rings (no heaters)"

It's good to see that Roger Boisjoly's tests finally got scheduled...

IIRC they actually changed the O-rings to a more resilient material with a lower glass transition temperature.

[rsnellenberger]

"demonstration of low temperature o-rings (no heaters)"

It's good to see that Roger Boisjoly's tests finally got scheduled...

IIRC they actually changed the O-rings to a more resilient material with a lower glass transition temperature.

Well, I assumed that there was some technical improvement to be tested -- but couldn't resist the snarking opportunity, considering the requests for o-ring testing support that preceded the Challenger accident.

[psloss]

"demonstration of low temperature o-rings (no heaters)"

It's good to see that Roger Boisjoly's tests finally got scheduled...

IIRC they actually changed the O-rings to a more resilient material with a lower glass transition temperature.

Well, I assumed that there was some technical improvement to be tested -- but couldn't resist the snarking opportunity, considering the requests for o-ring testing support that preceded the Challenger accident.

Of course it wasn't until after the accident, but a lot of testing was done as a part of the redesign effort.  There was a good deal of testing of both "original" joint designs (case/case and case/nozzle) in 86-87; there's footage of at least one JES test where the ignition behavior on 51-L was more or less reproduced on the joint between the two right-hand aft segments.

[rdale]

Per latest weekly update, launch moved up to Aug 31.

http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/471972main_july30_2009_wkly_summary.pdf

[ugordan]

Per latest weekly update, launch moved up to Aug 31.

Wishful thinking? 

[JayP]

Per latest weekly update, launch moved up to Aug 31.

Wishful thinking? 

Depends on your point of view. If it Launches, something went really, really wrong

[Space Pete]

The Huntsville Times: "ATK sets test this month for next Ares 1 solid rocket motor".
http://blog.al.com/space-news/2010/08/atk_sets_next_test_for_next-ge.html

The test will be a horizontal ground test firing Aug. 31 at 10:05 CDT at ATK's facility in Promontory, Utah.

[FinalFrontier]

Per latest weekly update, launch moved up to Aug 31.

Wishful thinking? 

Depends on your point of view. If it Launches, something went really, really wrong

LOL

Well 5 seg may have a "sunk cost" place on SLS. OFC we dont actually need 5 seg, but its sort of a "well now we have it." type thing. I suppose it would be nice to see these tests not go to waste

[Space Pete]

ATK and NASA to Perform Second Ground Test of the Ares Five-Segment Solid Rocket Motor.

Aug 11, 2010

PROMONTORY, Utah, Aug. 11 -- Alliant Techsystems (NYSE: ATK) and NASA will test the second fully developed Ares five-segment solid rocket motor, known as Development Motor-2 (DM-2). The five-segment rocket motor is an upgraded version of the Shuttle's 4-segment booster, and has also been identified as a key element of NASA's future Heavy Lift Launch vehicle.


What:

Horizontal ground test firing of Ares DM-2.


Date:

Tuesday August 31, 2010.


Time:

9:05 AM MDT.


Where:

ATK Aerospace Systems facility in Promontory, Utah


Test Objectives/Background:

• A total of 53 design objectives will be measured through more than
  760 instruments.
• DM-2 is a "cold motor" test. The motor will be cooled to 40 degrees F
  to measure solid rocket motor performance at low temperature, as well
  as to verify design requirements of new materials in the motor joints.
  These new materials will allow for the elimination of joint heaters that
  were necessary in the original 4-segment motor design. This will save
  significant weight, further reduce system complexity and simplify
  launch operations, while simultaneously delivering increased operating
  margins at lower ambient temperatures.
• Other objectives include data gathering on vital motor upgrades such
  as the new insulation and motor case liner and the redesigned nozzle
  which increase the robustness of the design.
• When fired, the motor will produce a maximum thrust 3.6 million
  pounds, or 22 million horsepower.
• The cases have all previously flown on the space shuttle, collectively
  launching on 57 missions.
• A public viewing area is available along State Road 83 North
  approximately 20 miles west of Corinne, Utah.


Media Contacts:

Trina Patterson

George Torres
   
Cell: 801-699-0943
   
Cell: 801-699-2637
   
email: [email protected]
   
email: [email protected]


http://atk.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=118&item=1025

[Space Pete]

Check out ATK's "trailer" for DM-2!