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This a field joint heater that NASA developed after the Space Shuttle Challenger accident in January 1986. Because of the unusually cold weather, an o-ring in the right solid rocket booster (SRB) failed to seal. Hot exhaust gas escaped through the joint and pentrated the external fuel tank, causing the sequence of events that culminated in the shuttle's destruction. To avoid future accidents, NASA required that all future flights be equipped with heaters of this type to protect the SRB o-rings and field joints during launch.

Transferred from Tayco Engineering Inc. to the Museum in 1994.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Rockets & Missiles at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

Rockets & Missiles
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Miscellaneous Manufacturer Tayco Engineering Inc.
 Dimensions Other (coiled): 9in. x 1 1/4in. (22.9 x 3.2cm)
Other (extended): 39ft 12in. (1219.2cm)
 Materials Insulation - cork
Moisture seal - rubber
Strap - Kevlar
 Inventory Number A19950028000 Credit Line Gift of Tayco Engineering Inc. Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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