Three More Test Firings Added for Redesigned Shuttle Engine

HOUSTON — Space agency officials said Thursday they have decided to put three more full-scale tests firings of a redesigned solid rocket engine on the schedule for the shuttle recovery program.

John Thomas, NASA manager of the team redesigning the flawed engines that caused the Challenger accident, said the three tests were added after some astronauts and a National Research Council committee recommended more test-firings on the new engines.

The additions bring to eight the total number of firings planned with the redesigned rocket.

Tight Schedule

Thomas said he hopes all three additional tests can be performed before shuttle flights resume next June, but added that the schedule is “exceptionally tight.”

“The three extra tests are not mandatory before the next flight,” he said. “We expect to get at least two of the three, but hopefully we get all three.”

Challenger exploded, killing its seven-member crew, after one of two solid rocket boosters leaked flame and caused a fuel tank to burst shortly after launch.