In the 1960s, the 260 was initially designed to test the feasibility of solid rocket motors for space exploration, including use on the lower stage of the
Saturn V. Development of the motors was originally given as parallel contracts to Aerojet and
Thiokol. Aerojet won out in the end when Thiokol's test chamber burst at 56% of proving pressure during a stress test. The burst was due to signals from a new Acoustical Non-Destructive Test system being ignored, as conventional strain gauges showed no problem. On the flip side, the Aerojet chambers survived testing due to changes in heat treatment of the material and welding practices. The test director was Will Spratling, and the program manager for the motor development was Dick Cottrell, Vice President of the Aerojet Solid Rocket Plant. Due to the large undertaking of the 260-inch motor development, many Aerojet staff had to move to a new Florida facility headed by Paul Datner. The size and complexity of the motors necessitated massive facilities for motor and propellant production, static testing, and supporting activities. The Florida facility construction combined these facilities into a single integrated facility. To solve this problem Aerojet constructed a new canal leading to their facility in Florida which allowed for delivery of the boosters by barge. Two tests of the boosters (SL-1 and SL-2) were carried out on 25 September 1965 and 23 February 1966, respectively, and were reportedly visible up to 80 miles away. == References ==