scope:

Description of Driving Event:

NASA standard initiators (NSI) are used to ignite a charge of boron potassium nitrate pellets, which begin the solid rocket booster (SRB) ignition sequence. These pellets start a pyrogen igniter and its igniter motor flame starts SRB propellent burning. NSI's can not be protected against inadvertant detonation while in excessive radio frequency fields. The electromagnetic interference may cause a premature firing of a NSI, possibly resulting in personnel injury/loss of life and damage to flight hardware or ground support equipment.