NASA Watch


11 June 2001: The following is from an email from someone@jsc.nasa.gov


"For 7A, we are going to continue trying for July for one more week. If by this time next week (6/19), we are able to isolate the SSRMS Shoulder Pitch problem to a maskable fault that can be fixed via a "simple" software patch, we will continue to march to a July launch opportunity (though by next week it would most likely be NET 7/12).

If we do not know for sure that a simple software patch will fix the problem, we will flip-flop to the other side of 7A.1 and launch in late September. "


"The SSPCB met again, decisions:

  1. Flying a spare SSRMS joint on 7A.1 is off the table. No work to proceed on this.
  2. 7A launch date final decision next Tuesday.
    a. If SSRMS testing with the 2nd diagnostic patch shows the problem can be masked with the "simple" software change, make the change and fly 7A in July (NET 7/12 right now I think).
    b. If testing shows it cannot be masked, or is inconclusive then we will press with the 6 DOF software change and launch 7A sometime in September.
  3. 7A.1 will launch in August regardless."


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