On the X-34 FASTRAC-Memorandums of Misunderstanding

Engineers at MSFC designed, developed, and tested propulsion systems that helped launch Saturn I, IB, and V boosters for the Apollo missions. After the Apollo program, Marshall was responsible for the design and development of the propulsion elements for the Shuttle launch vehicle, including the solid rocket boosters, external tank and main engines. Each of these systems offered new propulsion technological challenges that pushed engineers and administrators beyond Saturn. The technical challenges presented by the development of each of these propulsion systems helped to establish and sustain a culture of engineering conservatism and was often accompanied by a deep level of penetration into contractors that worked on these systems.