From The Archives: Westar's Delta Strap-On Motor Separation

Eight of nine Thiokol TX-354-5 solid rocket motors are in circular formation at 15-mi. after separation from the climbing McDonnell Douglas Delta that launched the Western Union Westar satellite from Cape Canaveral April 13. 

It was the first time in more than 1,000 uses of the solids that failed to separate from the booster. 

See the cover image of the June 17, 1974 issue of Aviation Week & Space Technology.

Enjoy unlimited access to the complete Aviation Week Archive which has over 100 Years of Aviation Week — at your fingertips.

Every issue, every page, every article we have ever published. Your subscription includes full access to the archives, plus current Aviation Week & Space Technology articles (both digital and print packages available).