Solid Rocket Booster’s Return to Earth

Most of us know that what is commonly called the the Space Shuttle (technically the spaceplane) is part of the larger STS or Space Transportation System. The no less important but generally less focused upon elements of the STS include twin solid rocket boosters and the external tank or fuel tank. The video to the right focuses in on the solid rocket booters and shows what happens after their two or so minutes of useful thrust is complete.

Per the note on the video this is from STS-125 which was an Atlantis mission to perform final repairs on the famed Hubble telescope.

Note: Given the success of yesterday’s broadcast I am adding a permanent link to NASA TV under Features.  Today they are viewing the heat panels under the shuttle looking for potential damage.