These objects are taken from components of a solid-propellant test rocket motor produced by the Reaction Motors Division of the Thiokol Chemical Corporation. Detailed knowledge is lacking, but the available evidence suggests that Reaction Motors used this motor in the 1960s for high-velocity testing of materials used for ablative cooling, the process of dissipating heat (caused, for example, by atmospheric re-entry) through the deliberate wearing away of constituent materials in the nose cone and other surfaces exposed to high temperatures.

Donated by the Reaction Motors Division of the Thiokol Chemical Corporation.

Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Object Details

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

PROPULSION-Rocket Engines

Manufacturer

Reaction Motors, Inc.

Dimensions

Overall (Larger Piece): 27.9 x 12.7 x 8.9cm (11in. x 5in. x 3 1/2in.)
Overall (Smaller Piece): 11.4 x 15.2 x 12.7cm (4 1/2in. x 6in. x 5in.)

Materials

Phenolic Resin
Fiberglass
Brass
Plastic
Synthetic Fabric
Ink
Pencil

Inventory Number

A19791418000

Credit Line

Reaction Motors Division, Thiokol Chemical Corporation

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
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