Japan's NASDA has performed the first static firing test of the SRB-A solid rocket booster for the new HII-A launcher. The booster fired for 102s and reached 223t thrust. The test was intended to prove the design of the thrust vector control system that steers the booster's nozzle. Two Nissan SRB-A boosters will power the HII-A, which will make its debut next year with new LE5A cryogenic and LE5B first and second stage engines. The LE5B will be flown for the first time on an original HII carrying the MTSAT spacecraft next month. The LE5A has been static tested on the HII-A ground test vehicle at Tanegashima (left). Both engines have experienced development test problems.
Source: Flight International