NASA investigating bolt problem with Atlantis launch
Posted: Fri, Oct 18, 2002, 7:43 AM ET (1143 GMT)
Shuttle officials are looking into a problem with explosive bolts that failed to fire properly during the launch of the space shuttle Atlantis last week. Only one set of pyrotechnics in ten explosive bolts that hold down the shuttle prior to launch fired when commanded to do so immediately before the solid-propellant boosters fire. All 10 nuts exploded as planned, but NASA officials would like to know why only one set of pyrotechnics in the bolts fired when commanded, instead of both. Shuttle officials said they will need Atlantis back to complete the investigation; the shuttle is scheduled to land shortly before noon Friday. The problem is not expected to delay the launch of Endeavour, currently scheduled for November 10.
Shuttle officials are looking into a problem with explosive bolts that failed to fire properly during the launch of the space shuttle Atlantis last week. Only one set of pyrotechnics in ten explosive bolts that hold down the shuttle prior to launch fired when commanded to do so immediately before the solid-propellant boosters fire. All 10 nuts exploded as planned, but NASA officials would like to know why only one set of pyrotechnics in the bolts fired when commanded, instead of both. Shuttle officials said they will need Atlantis back to complete the investigation; the shuttle is scheduled to land shortly before noon Friday. The problem is not expected to delay the launch of Endeavour, currently scheduled for November 10.
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