Just Add H2O

Follow the Space Shuttle's solid rocket boosters from launch to splashdown. With an eye on a booster, get as close as anyone can to watch as they tumble back to Earth's seas.

These two rocket boosters pack a powerful punch. Together, they provide the main thrust to lift the space shuttle off the pad and up to an altitude of about 150,000 feet.

They are the largest solid-propellant motors ever flown and the first designed for reuse. Each is 149 feet long and 12 feet in diameter.

Retrieval ships are on station at the time of splashdown, at about 9.2-11.5 statute miles from the impact area. As soon as the boosters enter the water, the ships accelerate to a speed of 15 knots and quickly close on the boosters.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• solidrocketboosters
• srb
• nasa
• space
• shuttle
• launch

[davescottberman]

This is great - I've many people about this and recommend it for showing technology at work. A forward view on a split screen might enhance perspective of distance and speed as well as position. Very nice NASA.

[ReelNASA]

Thanks for your suggestion. Keep 'em coming!

[snakesteve68]

Great video work ReelNASA!! Is there any way to put a camera on the shuttle and External Tank to get views from those angles...and to show the transition from earth to space to IST in its entirety? That would be really awesome!!

[LoneStarStateOfMine]

I know the SRBs are reusable, but are the chutes? Do they stand up under the forces of nature (gravity, wind, friction, etc., et al.) they're put under?

[LoneStarStateOfMine]

How about a 4 screen split - showing from both SRBs, the cockpit looking out and the International Space Station as the shuttle approaches? I'd LOVE to see that!

My late Dad worked in the aerospace industry for decades, and, as a result, I'm a BIG supporter of NASA!

God speed to the Endeavour & her Crew returning later today. Everyone is in my prayers.