Lockheed Martin and Aerojet conducted the second test firing of the Atlas 5 upgraded Block B solid rocket booster (SRB). The test firing was performed late last month at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. and the results were made public June 1. The first test firing was conducted April 1.
The companies said the duration and thrust levels of the most recent SRB test matched well with pre-test expectations and were completed as planned, with a burn duration of approximately 90 seconds, producing an average thrust of more than 250,000 lbs. Post-test examination of the motor, insulation and nozzle found excellent internal performance and design margins, the companies said.
Aerojet’s Block B SRB design is intended to improve the motor’s production efficiency and predictability. Lockheed Martin initiated the Block B program in 2003 as part of a pre-planned product improvement effort.
