The test is part of a technology development program, and is not related to the current Shuttle flight program. The test was deliberately terminated by the test conductor due to a small fire observed at the base of the heavily instrumented high pressure fuel turbopump. The fire posed no immediate threat to the engine or facility and is suspected to be due to leaking instrumentation.
Preliminary inspections indicate minimal damage to instrumentation or other hardware.
The exact cause of the fire is under investigation. This test was the 24th firing of a modified Space Shuttle Main Engine at the Technical Test Bed facility since testing began in September 1988. Helen Mc Connaughey, technical assistant to the director of Marshall's Propulsion Laboratory, said an exact test date for the next engine firing will be set once engineers have had time to study today's test. The Technology Test Bed facility is used to assess advances in propulsion technology, enhance the process for implementing technology into emerging and operational programs, and to provide a test capability for prototype hardware.