Static Firing Test on H-IIA Solid Rocket Booster (SRB-A)
Conical Nozzle Life-size Motor
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
On July 7, 2004 (Japan Standard Time), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) conducted a static firing test on the Solid Rocket Booster (SRB-A) of the H-IIA at the Static Firing Test Facility for Solid Motor at the Takesaki Range in the Tanegashima Space Center as stated below. The tested booster with a conical nozzle was the same as the one used for H-IIA Launch Vehicle No.6, whose launch failed on November 29, 2003. The object of the test was to form the quantitative evaluation basis of local erosion and other phenomenon.
At around 51 seconds after firing commenced, combustion gas leaked from the motor nozzle area. JAXA found a ruptured hole in the motor nozzle part after the post-test visual inspection. We will further investigate the circumstances. No damage was found in facilities of the test site.
Test date and time: Ignition at 11:00 July 7, 2004
Test site: Static Firing Test Facility for Solid Motor at Takesaki Range in Tanegashima Space Center
Weather: Fine
Wind: South-Southwest 4.1 m/sec
Temperature: 30.9 C° (87.6F)
Data (reference value)
Combustion time: 96.4 sec (planned value: 96.5 sec)
Max. thrust: 2,295 KN (planned value:2,261 KN)
Max combustion pressure: 11.3 Mpa (planned value: 11.2 Mpa)
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For inquiries:
JAXA Public Affairs Department
Tel: +81-3-6266-6413 to 7, Fax: +81-3-6266-6910