Mar 14 1980
From The Space Library
MSFC reported successful completion. March 13 of the first full power test (10% of rated power level) of the Space Shuttle main engine. The test consisted of a 125-second run on a single engine, 10 seconds at 109%; a total of 26 seconds ran above normal rated power. This major step toward certification of the engine for full-power abort capability envisioned possible malfunction of a single engine, requiring thrust in excess of rated power from the other two engines to ensure achievement of orbit or return for safe landing. Rockwell International, prime Shuttle contractor, conducted the tests at NSTL in Mississippi. (MSFC Release 80-36; NASA Release 80-36)
NASA announced the first use of a major new flight-simulation facility for shuttle support. The vertical-motion simulator at ARC would start next week evaluating the effect of an adaptive gain device to be attached to orbiter controls because of oscillation experienced during approach and landing tests conducted at DFRC in 1977. (NASA Release 80-34)
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