Blue Streak is to be the first stage booster of a three stage satellite and space probe launcher being developed in Europe. The main contractor for the Blue Streak rocket vehicle is Hawker Siddeley Dynamics Ltd. with the propulsion system the responsibility of Rolls-Royce Ltd. The work reported in this paper was carried out under Ministry of Aviation contract and forms part of the United Kingdom participation in the initial programme of the European Launcher Development Organisation (E.L.D.O.).

The static or “tethered” firing of liquid-propelled rocket vehicles is an essential process in the establishment of operational reliability before attempting launchings.