Jun 13 2008
From The Space Library
NASA and Alliant Techsystems (ATK) performed a successful test firing of the igniter on the abort motor of the Orion CEV. The abort motor’s function was to separate the crew capsule from the Ares-I launch vehicle, in case of an emergency on the launchpad or during the first 300,000 feet (91,440 meters) of ascent. The igniter, a 36-inch-long (91.44-centimeter-long) piece that would light the motor’s solid propellant, generated roughly 21,000 pounds (9,525.44 kilograms) of thrust during the testing, with combustion gas temperatures of more than 5,800°F (3,204°C). Engineers ascertained that the motor had performed as expected. They planned to use the test results to assess the igniter’s ballistic properties and the pressure created inside its chamber. The testing took place at ATK’s facility in Promontory, Utah.
NASA, “NASA, ATK Conduct First Launch Abort System Igniter Test for Orion,” news release 08-147, 16 June 2008, http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2008/jun/HQ_08147_Orion_igniter_test.html (accessed 21 April 2011).
The National Aeronautic Association awarded its prestigious Robert J. Collier trophy to a team of researchers that included staff from NASA’s ARC and NASA’s LaRC. The team, named Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B), had developed a system for air traffic control using GPS satellite technology. The system was able to provide air traffic controllers and pilots with highly accurate air traffic data in real-time updated displays. It also gave pilots weather, terrain, and flight-information services. The National Aeronautic Association had been awarding the Collier Trophy since 1911, to researchers with significant achievements in American aeronautics or astronautics.
NASA, “NASA A Team Recipient of Celebrated Collier Trophy,” news release 08-148, 13 June 2008, http://www.nasa.gov/home/hqnews/2008/jun/HQ_08148_Collier_Trophy.html (accessed 21 April 2011).
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