NASA test-fires aging rocket motor

WASHINGTON, May 5 (UPI) -- The U.S. space agency announced the successful test-firing of an old reusable solid rocket motor to determine performance changes caused by aging.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration scientists said the test was designed to evaluate possible performance changes that occur as motors age. Space shuttle solid rocket motors are certified for flight for five years from their date of manufacture. At more than seven years of age, the four-segment motor tested last week is the oldest ever fired.

NASA said the test, among other things, substantiated the certification that was established at the beginning of the shuttle program and provided information for continued launches of the shuttle and development of the Ares I rocket.

"This test is an example of the aggressive testing program NASA pursues to assure flight safety," said David Beaman, manager of NASA's reusable solid rocket booster program. "It also allows us to gather information on how motors with different ages perform."

The test data are to be published later this year.