Solid Rocket Failures in World Space Launches

Abstract

Review results on world space launches since the inception of the space age in 1957 are presented. The success rates of solid rocket motors and liquid rocket engines used in the space launch vehicles from different countries of the world during the past 25 years are compared. The failure causes and vulnerable areas for failed U.S. space launch vehicles using solid rockets are identified and discussed. The results contain some of the lessons learned. The objectives of the study are to 1) provide information on the past space-related mission failures; 2) identify the failure causes for space launch vehicles using solid rockets; 3) define vulnerable areas of launch vehicles using solid rockets; and 4) assess measures taken and processes needed to reduce risks in solid rocket operations. It is hoped that the information contained in the paper will help in mitigating future space launch failures.