Foam impact creates T-seal gap in test
Posted: Fri, May 30, 2003, 11:07 AM ET (1507 GMT)
A chunk of foam fired at a segment of a space shuttle wing leading edge created a measurable gap in a T-seal, a finding that some have called a "potential breakthrough" in the Columbia investigation. According to a statement released late Thursday by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB), investigators fired a 0.76-kg chunk of foam like that used on the shuttle's external tank at a segment of leading edge panels and seals taken from the shuttle Enterprise. The debris, striking the panels at 855 kmph, created a gap between one of the panels and a T-seal. The gap was 55 centimeters long and over 0.6 cm thick in some places. While the CAIB said it has not made any final conclusions about the Columbia accident, the research appears to bolster the current leading hypothesis that falling foam from the external tank damaged leading edge panels or seals, creating a gap that allowed hot plasma to enter the orbiter’s wing during reentry. Similar foam impact tests are planned for June.
A chunk of foam fired at a segment of a space shuttle wing leading edge created a measurable gap in a T-seal, a finding that some have called a "potential breakthrough" in the Columbia investigation. According to a statement released late Thursday by the Columbia Accident Investigation Board (CAIB), investigators fired a 0.76-kg chunk of foam like that used on the shuttle's external tank at a segment of leading edge panels and seals taken from the shuttle Enterprise. The debris, striking the panels at 855 kmph, created a gap between one of the panels and a T-seal. The gap was 55 centimeters long and over 0.6 cm thick in some places. While the CAIB said it has not made any final conclusions about the Columbia accident, the research appears to bolster the current leading hypothesis that falling foam from the external tank damaged leading edge panels or seals, creating a gap that allowed hot plasma to enter the orbiter’s wing during reentry. Similar foam impact tests are planned for June.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
Starship explodes during preparations for static-fire test
Posted: Sun, Jun 22 6:52 AM ET (1052 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Thursday, July 3
Starlink Free to Launch Services in India Once IN-SPACe Approvals Are Complete: Jyotiraditya Scindia
IndUS Business Journal — 2:45 am ET (0645 GMT) Ahead of Musk’s Starlink launch, American satcom player Viasat expands India services
The Times of India — 2:44 am ET (0644 GMT) SpaceOps: Pentagon Reevaluating Future Data Transport Layer
Aviation Week — 2:42 am ET (0642 GMT) Jeff Bezos gave $100 million for a satellite. It just got lost in space
The Independent — 2:41 am ET (0641 GMT) SpaceX double launch lights up Florida sky, but most Volusia beachgoers don't notice
Daytona Beach (FL) News-Journal — 2:39 am ET (0639 GMT) |
