Flown and retrieved Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) from the aft-side skirt from the mid-1980s. This booster separation motor (BSM) measures approximately 10.5″ tall, with the nozzle having a 9″ diameter. The BSM features three stenciled part numbers covered with adhesive labels, “14134 Assembly B12003-08-01, S/N W15176,” “SET S/N W15176,” and “14134-B12018-14-02,” with additional part numbers scratched into upper and lower rim: “PN. B12007-01-01 REV. FG, MIL-A-22771D 7075-T7354, W. 7566-1 HT.687 W10239.” In very good condition, with overall wear and rusting to inside of nozzle. The booster on the shuttle is a relatively small rocket motor that separates the reusable solid rocket boosters from the shuttle before the shuttle orbiter leaves the atmosphere. This separation occurs after 2-plus minutes of burn time of the reusable SRB motors, and firing of the booster separation motors takes less than a second. While in flight, the twin SRB’s separation motors must be used in conjunction with the release of the motors from the big shuttle External Tank (ET). The BSMs are produced by ATK Launch Systems Group, part of Alliant Techsystems (ATK) Inc., at their production plant in Brigham City, Utah. A BSM weighs 177 pounds when loaded with propellant and is 31 inches long. About 2-plus minutes into a space shuttle flight, 16 of these small, but powerful, motors are fired simultaneously for 1.2 seconds. This provides the precise thrust required to safely separate the spent boosters from the space shuttle’s ET and manned-Orbiter. Altogether, there are eight such BSMs attached to each of the twin reusable SRBs, four on the forward skirt and four on the aft skirt. The BSMs in each cluster are ignited while traveling through the atmosphere at more than 3,000 mph with an altitude of about 24 nautical miles. From the collection of aerospace memorabilia specialist Ken Havekotte. Flown status presumed by Havekotte. In compliance with ITAR regulations, this item is limited to purchase by US Citizens.
