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Author
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Topic: Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) gimbal bolts
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OuterOrbiter
New Member Posts: 8
From:
Registered: Oct 2003
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posted 10-12-2003 04:56 PM
   
Is anyone familiar with space shuttle main engine (SSME) gimbal bolts? |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 44483
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 10-14-2003 12:00 PM
Here is a gimbal bolt: This bolt and nut set were part of Columbia's main engines (SSME) gimbal bearing, which acts as the thrust interface between the engine and orbiter. |
Ken Havekotte
Member Posts: 3071
From: Merritt Island, Florida, Brevard
Registered: Mar 2001
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posted 10-14-2003 02:04 PM
There are eight gimbal bolts assigned to each Space Shuttle Main Engine; I still have a few of them that actually flew from two shuttle missions. |
JBoe
Member Posts: 985
From: Edgewater, MD
Registered: Oct 2012
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posted 12-06-2014 07:37 PM
The gimbal bolts looks very similar to the bolts used on Spacehab. I'm sure it's totally different shape and diameter, but is it made of the same composition? |
Joel Katzowitz
Member Posts: 814
From: Marietta GA USA
Registered: Dec 1999
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posted 12-07-2014 07:06 AM
The gimbal bolt is about 4.75" long and 1" in diameter. |
James Brown
Member Posts: 1287
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 12-07-2014 06:45 PM
I have three of these bolts. One each from Columbia, Discovery and Endeavour. Would love to find ones from the other two orbiters. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 44483
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 12-07-2014 07:15 PM
James, since the bolts are part of the main engines, which were not orbiter-specific, are you sure yours did not fly on Atlantis and Challenger as well? |
James Brown
Member Posts: 1287
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 12-09-2014 06:34 AM
Not sure. The Discovery bolt was removed following STS-95, Columbia's following STS-65, and Endeavour's following STS-89. I have the paperwork for all three stating when they were removed, but nothing for them prior. It's possible I guess. |
Hart Sastrowardoyo
Member Posts: 3446
From: Toms River, NJ
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 12-09-2014 10:56 AM
Do they tell which main engine they were from? Or, you can see which SSMEs flew on what missions and make a possible guess where they previously flown. |
James Brown
Member Posts: 1287
From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Registered: Jun 2000
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posted 12-09-2014 11:45 AM
My STS-89 paperwork does state engine no. 2 with a part number (the bolt). |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 44483
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 12-09-2014 12:00 PM
Engine no. 2 on STS-89 was serial no. 2044. That particular engine's first flight was STS-89, so no prior history. |
Joel Katzowitz
Member Posts: 814
From: Marietta GA USA
Registered: Dec 1999
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posted 12-09-2014 03:12 PM
Hey Robert, is looking up engine serial numbers something that a mere mortal can do? I also have have two of the same gimbal bolts as Jimmy (STS-65 and STS-95). I'd love to look up their histories. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 44483
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 12-09-2014 03:19 PM
There may be other ways to do so, but I'm cross-referencing a couple of different documents. If you know and can share the engine positions for your two bolts, I am happy to look them up. |
Joel Katzowitz
Member Posts: 814
From: Marietta GA USA
Registered: Dec 1999
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posted 12-09-2014 05:12 PM
STS-65 Columbia engine #2
STS-95 Discovery engine #2 |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 44483
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 12-09-2014 05:29 PM
No problem, happy to help. - Engine no. 2 on STS-65 was serial no. 2030. It flew on STS-27, STS-30, STS-34, STS-36, STS-39, STS-44, STS-49, STS-52 prior to STS-65.
- Engine no. 2 on STS-95 was serial no. 2043. It (coincidentally) flew on STS-89 (in position no. 1) prior to STS-95.
One thing that dawns on me is that in a situation like the STS-65 bolt, we don't know when it was installed. I don't think we can automatically assume it dates back to the first use of the engine, unless the paperwork you have supports that. |
Joel Katzowitz
Member Posts: 814
From: Marietta GA USA
Registered: Dec 1999
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posted 12-09-2014 07:05 PM
The paperwork, for me anyway, is almost impossible to decipher. However the STS-95 and the STS-65 bolts were both removed because they had "achieved their torque cycle limit." I assume that means they weren't damaged but had reached the end of their life expectancy. That would indicate they flew on at least several of the missions you mentioned. In case you were wondering, the paperwork states the list price for a gimbal bolt is $550. |
SpaceAholic
Member Posts: 4600
From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
Registered: Nov 1999
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posted 12-09-2014 09:05 PM
Rocketdyne produced a pocket data booklet on the SSME that included tables listing engine/flight vehicle/mission affiliation. Extract from an early version of the booklet: 
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William Pace
New Member Posts: 2
From: Titusville, Forida
Registered: Aug 2020
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posted 08-18-2020 07:41 PM
Space Shuttle SSME gimbal bolts were not assigned to a specific engine. They were installed in the orbiter thrust structure,at one of three engine positions 1, 2, and 3. These bolts were removed and replaced when they met the limit for torque cycles, every time an engine was removed and replaced was one cycle.I know this information first hand as during my time as a Space Shuttle Senior Technician (1988-2011), I have removed and installed new replacement bolts on several occasions. |
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