Classification of Solid Motors
Solid rocket motors are classified into four categories. They are
1. Boosters
Used as the first stage of a launch vehicle (Rocket). It provides the required upward thrust to enable the lift of the rocket. It also provides the sufficient thrust to overcome the fiction from the lower atmosphere during it flight.
2. Upper stages
Upper stage solid motors are used in any other stage other than first stage. It can be second, third or fourth stage based on the vehicle configuration. It operates above the lower atmospheric region. So the thrust produced by upper stage motors are less compared to booster solid motors. Since it is an upper stage motor, its inert weight should be maintained as small as possible.
3. Strapons
It provides the required upward thrust to enable the lift of the rocket along with the booster.
4. Special motors -The special Motors are further classified as
- Igniters
- Separation rockets
- Ullage motors
- Sounding rockets
- Missiles
- Spin / de-spin motors
