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Recovering Space Shuttle Boosters

The hobby that was the key to my eventual career in aerospace!
by Brad Berch

full description at right SRB Retrieval Ship and SRB at beginning of retrieval process.

Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) float in vertical mode with approximately 100 feet of booster under the ocean surface.

Divers are launched on inflatable boats to begin the retrieval process.

With calm seas and good weather, this retrieval dive will be fun!

full description at right Under the water the divers position the Diver Operated Plug (DOP) under the opening of the SRB Aft Skirt and Exit Cone.

An inflatable ball is inflated to guide the DOP into the throat of the massive SRB.

full description at right Once the Diver Operated Plug is in place, mechanical arms are deployed that hold the plug in place.

An air hose from the SRB retrieval ship is then brought down and connected to the DOP.

Air is pumped into the SRB displacing the water trapped inside and causing the SRB to float horizontally on the surface for easy towing back to the Kennedy Space Center.

full description at right After three days at sea, we are happy to be returning safely to KSC Hangar AF.

The booster, parachutes and frustum pictured will all be re-used on another Space Shuttle flight.

Note the burnt edges of the SRB nozzle!

 
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