KSC-05pd-0544
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - The aft segment of a Solid Rocket Booster rolls into the Vehicle Assembly Building. The segment will be mated with other segments for use on the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis on the second Return to Flight mission, STS-121. SRBs are used as matched pairs and each is made up of four solid rocket motor segments. Two SRBs provide the main thrust to lift the Space Shuttle off the pad to an altitude of about 150,000 feet. In addition, the two SRBs carry the entire weight of the External Tank and orbiter and transmit the weight load through their structure to the Mobile Launcher Platform. Each booster has a thrust (sea level) of approximately 3,300,000 pounds at launch, and provide 71.4 percent of the thrust at liftoff and during first-stage ascent.
Usage Rights
Most NASA images are in the public domain and free to use. Credit NASA as the source. Check NASA's media usage guidelines for details. Images featuring identifiable individuals may require additional permissions.
Details
NASA ID
05pd0544
Date Created
March 31, 2005
Center
KSC
Media Type
image
Photographer
NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Downloads
Download this image in multiple resolutions. All NASA media are free for public use.