Solid rocket booster

[3] Compared to liquid propellant rockets, the solid-propellant motors (SRMs) have been capable of providing large amounts of thrust with a relatively simple design.

Adding detachable SRBs to a vehicle also powered by liquid-propelled rockets known as staging reduces the amount of liquid propellant needed and lowers the launch rig mass.

The basic 40 model with no additional boosters was capable of lifting a 4,795 lb (2,175 kg) payload to geostationary transfer orbit.

Nozzle blocking or deformation can lead to overpressure or a reduction in thrust, while defects in the booster's casing or stage couplings can cause the assembly to break apart by increasing aerodynamic stresses.

[10] Failure of an O-ring seal on the Challenger space shuttle's right solid rocket booster led to its disintegration shortly after liftoff.