RSS Feed | 
Twitter | Advertising | Archives | Support
Valve problem threatens to delay April shuttle launch, Spaceflgihtnow.com
"Engineers familiar with the system said the valve cannot be directly serviced at the launch pad. If the problem cannot be resolved by indirect methods or development of an acceptable flight rationale, the only option would be to roll Discovery back to the Vehicle Assembly Building, detach it from its external tank, haul it to its processing hangar and remove the OMS pod for repairs or replacement."
Very very possible that a way will be found to fly without a major repair. The Orbiter is a remarkable feat of engineering with many built-in alternate means of making things work.
replied to comment from Frank Sietzen
| March 16, 2010 8:15 AM
| Reply
I agree with Frank on this one. It is a nice excuse to stretch the schedule into 2011 and, coincidentally, give an excuse to use the remaining ETs and RSRMs to haul more cargo up to the ISS, increasing its margin before the CRS providers get up and running. After that, the orbiters can go to their museums for a well-deserved retirement in the spotlight.
I have to say that, from early on, I've felt that this year's SSP schedule a little too tight for comfort. A stretch into 2011 will protect jobs for another year (welcome in a time of recession) and will reduce schedule pressure on the team at KSC, allowing more time and effort to be focussed on safety and reliability.
If the STS-131 is having a big slip about a technical issues that is bothering the engineers the best solution is to haul it to its processing hangar and remove the OMS pod for repairs or replacement
mutuelle santé
4 Comments
Another reason why completing all four remaining flights, plus STS-135 in this calendar year is increasingly unlikely. And if the Shuttle flyout spills over into 2011, why not add a few more flights since the cost per flight is marginal? I say take advantage of the delay to shrink the gap and bring more supplies up to the ISS.