The qualification of the shuttle booster separation motors

Four booster separation motors (BSM) located at each end of every solid rocket booster (SRB) provide the needed side force to separate the boosters from the external tank at booster burnout. Four BSMs at the top of the SRB are located in a box pattern in the nose cone frustum. The four BSMs at the aft end of the SRB are arranged side-by-side on the SRB aft skirt. Aspects of BSM design and performance are considered, taking into account a motor design/performance summary, the case design, the insulation, the grain design, the nozzle/aft closure design, the ignition system, the propellant, and the motor assembly. Details of motor testing are also discussed, giving attention to development testing, qualification testing, and flight testing.