Global Fastener News

Fasteners Part of Added Shuttle Safety

Jason Sandefur

America’s attempt to launch the space shuttle Discovery on a 12-day mission includes improvements to fastener systems on exterior fuel tanks.
Following the demise of the Columbia space shuttle in February 2003, investigators examined the possibility that bolt fragments from the rocket booster’s fuel tank may have contributed to the explosion that killed all astronauts aboard the spacecraft.
Three-inch diameter bolts attach the tank to the rocket boosters, which separate shortly after liftoff. The 80-pound bolts are designed with a precise explosive that fractures the bolt about two minutes after liftoff so that the boosters can separate from the shuttle. To protect the spacecraft from flying bolt pieces, the shuttle is equipped with 12-inch cylindrical wells to trap the fragments.
While the bolts performed well, investigators determined that the bolt catchers on Columbia were unreliable, according to the New York Times.
In preparation for the Discovery’s launch, NASA had the bolt catchers redesigned to contain fragments. In addition, two Discovery astronauts have been trained to make space repairs with plates, fasteners and even experimental chemical adhesives if necessary.
The measures are part of NASA’s $1.4 billion shuttle overhaul for the new mission. Many consider Discovery’s mission as a crucial test for the shuttle program and the space agency itself. �2005 FastenerNews.com