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BOX ELDER COUNTY -- Utah-based ATK has completed installation of the world's largest solid rocket motor.
The Ares 1 First State is the largest solid rocket motor ever built at 154 feet long and 12 feet in diameter. When fired, the motor will produce 3.6 million pounds of maximum thrust, or 22 million horsepower.
It was designed to maximize astronaut safety while providing the nation with reliable launch capability for both crew and cargo missions.
Even though the future of the Ares program is now in question, NASA will begin testing this motor in September. The full-scale motor test will advance the safety, technology and knowledge of solid rocket motors.
