NASA Office of Logic Design

A scientific study of the problems of digital engineering for space flight systems,
with a view to their practical solution.

Workshop: Pyrotechnic Initiators, Applications, and Lessons Learned

"Mars Exploration Rover Pyrotechnic Test Damage (2002)"

Ronald T. Welch
Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Abstract:

During testing of the Mars Exploration Rover Dynamic Test model, the High Gain Antenna (HGA) pyrotechnic release mechanism was initiated in order to assess the shock loading on adjacent Rover components. Two NASA Standard Initiators (NSIs) were mounted on a re-furbished pin-puller device that releases the HGA for deployment. When the NSIs were fired, the pin and cap of the pin puller assembly were unexpectedly ejected with explosive force from the back of the mechanism.

NASA Lesson Learned: # 1316

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