Assessment of future solid rocket motor flight instrumentation/data needs

Results of an assessment of a designer's data needs for solid rocket motor instrumentation is described, along with the state-of-the-art and specialized instrumentation used to date. It is determined that solid rocket motor data obtained during static testing does not always agree with flight test data, and more quantitative data is necessary for motor design. The most promising new flight test instrumentation/data techniques for future flight programs are presented: microwave horns, ultrasonics, thermovision, in situ transensors, isotopes, and parachute recovery of flight hardware. It is noted that a development effort (minimum one to two years) and adequate funding will be required to have these concepts available for the design of future solid rocket motors.