NASA has postponed the planned May 22 space shuttle Discovery launch until July to deal with “late-breaking information” which requires safety analysis.
NASA will conduct further testing of ice formation, debris liberation and analysis of the External Tank (ET) liquid oxygen feedline bellows area is needed prior to a safe Return to Flight. The Shuttle Program will continue testing the feedline bellows area through the end of May. Analysis should be completed about mid-June.
Plans include adding a new heater to the feedline bellows to minimize the potential for ice and frost buildup. The modification kit for this heater is scheduled to arrive at KSC May 5 for installation on Atlantis’ tank, ET-121, in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The decision was made to perform the modification on Atlantis first, since it is in the VAB, the best location to complete the work.
NASA engineers are concerned that ice could build up on the tanks before launch, resulting in a disaster similar to the breakup of the Columbia two years ago.
Discovery remains at Launch Pad 39B for troubleshooting two issues that arose during the ET tanking test April 14. Engineers are evaluating two hydrogen sensors in the ET that gave intermittent readings. These sensors serve as fuel gauges to tell the Space Shuttle Main Engines the level of remaining propellants. The other issue is a hydrogen pressurization relief valve that cycled 13 times during the tanking test, versus the standard 8 to 9 times. This valve cycles to ensure the hydrogen stays at the correct temperature.
The STS-114 crew will arrive for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) Sunday, with countdown activities on Weds. May 4. Following the troubleshooting and TCDT activities, Discovery will roll back from the pad to the VAB. In the VAB, the new liquid oxygen feedline bellows heater modification will be performed on its ET. The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello will not be transferred to the pad as previously scheduled. It will be installed in Discovery’s payload bay closer to launch.
murdok | Breaking eBusiness News
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