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To see this post on the AESD website, click here. It includes an in-depth video of the test, as well as other information.
The Administration of Exploration Systems Development conducted another hot fire test at Operations Complex 1A. The first attempt was scheduled for July 6th, 2015, but again, as in the last hot fire test, unfavorable weather conditions caused the test to be scrubbed. On July 7th, the AESD continued with their plans, completing another great solid rocket motor fire. Hot Fire Test 3 was a fire of the A10-3T. This engine has the same thrust volume as the A3-4T used in Hot Fire Test 1, but it runs it's main stage for an extra seven seconds.
During the slow motion diagnosis from camera REC1, it can be observed that the A10-3T did not have a delay stage. Instead of sequencing ignition, main stage burn, MECO, delay stage, ejection charge, and then burnout, the A10-3T sequences in the order of ignition, main stage burn, engine braking stage, ejection charge, MECO, and then engine burnout. The stage was running throughout the entire time period between ignition and ejection charge. This way, more thrust is produced over time.
Also noticed in the video, there is a delay of approximately three seconds between the end of the countdown and actual ignition. This was caused by a disconnect between the safety key and the engine. The key connects the circuit, and is a safety feature so that the engine does not misfire before countdown.
The purpose of the test was to examine how engines with longer stage burn times operate. In the last test, Hot Fire Test 2, it was noted that the Operations Complex 1A test stand was slightly unstable, shifting during the main stage burn of the B6-4 engine. The AESD calculated that the 1A test stand would not be unstable during this test, due to the fact that the A3-4T did not produce enough thrust to shift the test stand in the first hot fire test. As can be seen in the video recording, however, the stand did shift due to the thrust of the engine. AESD staff will gather the information from this test to not only learn about solid rocket motors, but also how to adapt the Operations Complex 1A test stand. Work on test stand modifications will begin soon. In the near future, the AESD will be starting their SOLO program, a program to test solid rocket engines in powered flight. Using the data from this test, AESD technicians will be able to more safely conduct engine operations.
To see this post on the AESD website, click here. It includes an in-depth video of the test, as well as other information.
The Administration of Exploration Systems Development conducted another hot fire test at Operations Complex 1A. The first attempt was scheduled for July 6th, 2015, but again, as in the last hot fire test, unfavorable weather conditions caused the test to be scrubbed. On July 7th, the AESD continued with their plans, completing another great solid rocket motor fire. Hot Fire Test 3 was a fire of the A10-3T. This engine has the same thrust volume as the A3-4T used in Hot Fire Test 1, but it runs it's main stage for an extra seven seconds.
During the slow motion diagnosis from camera REC1, it can be observed that the A10-3T did not have a delay stage. Instead of sequencing ignition, main stage burn, MECO, delay stage, ejection charge, and then burnout, the A10-3T sequences in the order of ignition, main stage burn, engine braking stage, ejection charge, MECO, and then engine burnout. The stage was running throughout the entire time period between ignition and ejection charge. This way, more thrust is produced over time.
Also noticed in the video, there is a delay of approximately three seconds between the end of the countdown and actual ignition. This was caused by a disconnect between the safety key and the engine. The key connects the circuit, and is a safety feature so that the engine does not misfire before countdown.
The purpose of the test was to examine how engines with longer stage burn times operate. In the last test, Hot Fire Test 2, it was noted that the Operations Complex 1A test stand was slightly unstable, shifting during the main stage burn of the B6-4 engine. The AESD calculated that the 1A test stand would not be unstable during this test, due to the fact that the A3-4T did not produce enough thrust to shift the test stand in the first hot fire test. As can be seen in the video recording, however, the stand did shift due to the thrust of the engine. AESD staff will gather the information from this test to not only learn about solid rocket motors, but also how to adapt the Operations Complex 1A test stand. Work on test stand modifications will begin soon. In the near future, the AESD will be starting their SOLO program, a program to test solid rocket engines in powered flight. Using the data from this test, AESD technicians will be able to more safely conduct engine operations.
To see this post on the AESD website, click here. It includes an in-depth video of the test, as well as other information.
