NASA contemplating changes to shuttle tank
Posted: Mon, Dec 5, 2005, 6:46 AM ET (1146 GMT)
Facing potential delays to next May's launch of the space shuttle, NASA managers are considering removing a problematic foam ramp from the shuttle's external tank. The PAL ramp on the external tank was the source of a chunk of foam that fell off during July's launch of the shuttle, the first since the Columbia accident in 2003. Recent examination of another tank that had been filled with cryogenic propellants during tanking tests revealed cracks in the foam on the same ramp. NASA is now considering accelerating plans to remove the PAL ramp from the shuttle tank in time for the next shuttle flight. Although earlier reports had indicated that removing the ramp could delay the launch until summer or early fall, shuttle officials believe they could still launch in the May launch window, depending on the results of wind tunnel tests scheduled for February.
Facing potential delays to next May's launch of the space shuttle, NASA managers are considering removing a problematic foam ramp from the shuttle's external tank. The PAL ramp on the external tank was the source of a chunk of foam that fell off during July's launch of the shuttle, the first since the Columbia accident in 2003. Recent examination of another tank that had been filled with cryogenic propellants during tanking tests revealed cracks in the foam on the same ramp. NASA is now considering accelerating plans to remove the PAL ramp from the shuttle tank in time for the next shuttle flight. Although earlier reports had indicated that removing the ramp could delay the launch until summer or early fall, shuttle officials believe they could still launch in the May launch window, depending on the results of wind tunnel tests scheduled for February.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
US and UK militaries conduct coordinated satellite maneuvers
Posted: Sun, Sep 21 8:30 AM ET (1230 GMT) Blue Origin retires a New Shepard capsule after payload flight
Posted: Sun, Sep 21 8:25 AM ET (1225 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Monday, October 13
Government criticized for rushed approval of Starlink Korea agreement
JoongAng Daily — 7:04 am ET (1104 GMT) SpaceX plans Starship test flight in Texas as early as Monday
UPI — 7:02 am ET (1102 GMT) Senior barrister: Space industry a trillion-dollar market for HKSAR
China Daily — 7:00 am ET (1100 GMT) Race for Space Law: Inside the Sino-American Cosmic Rivalry
ChinaTalk — 6:57 am ET (1057 GMT) Key ExoMars Rover part ships from Aberystwyth
Eurekalert — 6:45 am ET (1045 GMT) |
