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How NOT to build a rocket motor!

How NOT to build a rocket motor!
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Back in the good old days I was one of the few lucky scientists who got to work at was then known as the AF Rocket Propulsion Lab (AFRPL) . It was a great place to experiment with different types of rocket systems, including liquid, solid, plasma, solar and some other exotic designs. At RPL most rocket tests were static, meaning they were held in place as they fire.

The following sequence of images was taken by a colleague ( who's name escapes me at the moment ) of a test firing of a new solid rocket motor design.

As you will see things didn't go as planned. Fortunately, no one was injured.
15 comments
Mar 3, 2012. 1:53 PMilpug says:
Big Bada Boom!
May 10, 2011. 7:24 AMbsilva says:
I'm impressed by the camera used to take the images. That it was able to adjust the exposure fast enough to darken the sky in the time that it took for the explosion to occur is very impressive.

Mar 3, 2012. 1:53 PMilpug says:
Research lab budget makes it possible, I would assume.
Feb 13, 2009. 12:16 PMrandofo says:
That joke is horrible... "it got fired!".... har har har... :-)
Sep 27, 2011. 10:03 PMpufferfish9108 says:
168 now! Look at them too. There is some cool stuff.
Jul 3, 2011. 12:04 PMNE patsrock says:
krazy
Apr 18, 2011. 9:48 AMmanny6574 says:
That must have been so bright if the camera changed the sky to dark!
Apr 12, 2010. 1:50 PMAerospaceman says:
Totally Awesome! You are my new best friend! my education is in aerospace engineering and the test phase is the coolest portion of the R&D. Awesome Shots! Why did the rocket lose it's job? Because it got fired! HAHAHAHAHLOL! Just like why did the chicken cross the road? Becasue it was carbon bonded to the robot! HAHAHAHAHALOL!
Jul 28, 2009. 10:55 AMOrion74 says:
"Whose name escapes me at the moment".

=)
Jul 28, 2009. 8:56 PMOrion74 says:
If it were I would be sure to tell you. ;)
Mar 17, 2009. 10:39 AMlukeydukey625 says:
nice toyota landcruiser! i got a 73' with a 327 v-8 in it
Feb 13, 2009. 12:37 PMthematthatter says:
Sir, what rank were you?

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Author:sansoy
I'm a total gearhead. I love working on cars, airplanes, rockets, sailboats, whatever. Cars i've owned and/or rebuilt: 1966 Pontiac Grand Prix, 1977 Lotus Esprit, 1979 Fiat X1/9 & Strada, 1970 Ford...
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