On the successful launch of the Space Shuttle
Discovery, mission STS-114, pyrotechnic cartridges manufactured by Hi-Shear
Technology Corporation in Torrance, California, controlled all 99 of the
pyrotechnic events which occurred during liftoff and ascent into earth orbit.
The Hi-Shear cartridges initiated such functions as separating locks and ground umbilicals at liftoff, separation of the solid rocket boosters (SRB’s) from the main external fuel tank, release of the SRB parachutes, and separation of the Orbiter Vehicle from the main external fuel tank.
In addition to the 99 scheduled pyrotechnic initiations, Hi-Shear cartridges are also installed in an additional 35 emergency standby devices for functions such as fire extinguishing, up locking the nose and main landing gears etc.
During the 25-year history of the Space Shuttle fleet, Hi-Shear has also been contracted to furnish many of the devices, which are initiated by Hi-Shear cartridges. Hi-Shear has manufactured different types and sizes of separation bolts, thruster devices, detonators, time-delayed cutting devices etc.
From the pioneering X-15 rocket plane of the 1960’s to the Mars Explorer vehicles currently in operation, Hi-Shear pyrotechnic devices have been central to the technology of U.S. space exploration since its inception. In the exploration of Mars, Hi-Shear pyrotechnic devices and cartridges are used even more extensively than on a Space Shuttle mission. Separation functions on the Delta launch rocket, pyrotechnic functions during entry into the Martian atmosphere and safe landing, followed by the release and activation of antennas, solar panels and other devices on the exploration Rovers, before they drove onto the surface of Mars, were all entrusted to products designed and manufactured by Hi-Shear.
Hi-Shear is proud of its history of supplying mission critical parts to NASA.