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NASA NEWS -> October 2

NASA SELECTS HORIZONTAL CONFIGURATION FOR JOINT TEST

	After an intensive study, NASA has determined that the redesigned
Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) will be test fired in a horizontal
attitude. This test attitude best simulates the critical conditions on 
the field joint which failed during the STS 51-L mission.
	NASA also will conduct extensive component tests, full-segment
joint environmental simulation tests (with loads applied) and full scale
motor static tests to verify and certify the redesigned motor for flight.
Also being considered at this time is the construction of a second 
horizontal test stand with the capability of simulating launch and flight
loads on the motor during static test. This second horizontal test facility,
which should be ready for use in about 12 months at a location still to be
determined, would provide additional test capability and redundancy in case
of the loss of the only test facility now available to NASA.
	The Presidential Commission investigating the STS 51-L accident
recommended that NASA consider the vertical attitude for the motor firing
s
and duplicate the actual flight conditions as closely as possible. It is
NASA's belief that testing in the horizontal attitude is the most demanding
test of the redesigned joint for the pressure and flight-induced loads and
thus best satisfies the Commission's intent.
	These findings were reviewed within NASA's technical community, with
the Shuttle management's formal review system, and SRM design overview
committee composed of NASA and industry experts, and the U.S. Air Force team
which is responsible for returning the Titan launch vehicle to flight status.
They also were presented to the independent SRM design review panel of experts
established under the auspices of the National Research Council.
	NASA believes that the test plan being implemented will provide the 
correct basis for flight verification of the redesigned SRM.
____________________________________________________________________________
NASA News Release 86-139
Sarah Keegan Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
Reprinted with permission for electronic distribution