Orbital boom system Back to intro Orbiter underside cameras Bolt catchers Ground cameras External tank camera Bi-pod redesign SRB cameras Leading edge sensor Space repair methods

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 Space shuttle: Return to flight

Image showing bolt catchers Bolt catchers

These devices catch and retain the steel bolts which break off when the Solid Rocket Boosters separate from the External Fuel Tank.

Small explosives fracture the bolts to trigger the separation of the boosters once the shuttle has reached the edge of space.

The bolt catchers have been redesigned following the Columbia accident, as it was concluded that they could allow debris to escape and possibly damage the orbiter.

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