NASA delays shuttle launch decision
Posted: Thu, Mar 22, 2007, 3:20 PM ET (1920 GMT)
Shuttle managers elected Wednesday to put off a decision on when to launch the next shuttle mission as it studies how to repair an external tank damaged in a hailstorm last month, a move the effectively delays the next shuttle launch until at least May. The tank, mounted on the shuttle Atlantis, was exposed in a freak hailstorm on February 26, causing thousands of gouges in its insulation. NASA decided shortly afterwards to roll the shuttle back to the VAB and to repair the damage, with the hopes of being able to launch mission STS-117 again in late April. However, engineers studying the tank said they need more time to determine how best to repair the tank, or if the tank should be replaced with one intended for the following shuttle mission. Shuttle managers are now hopeful that the repairs can be completed in time to support a launch in mid-May, near the next of the next launch window. If the tank has to be replace, however, the launch would slip into June.
Shuttle managers elected Wednesday to put off a decision on when to launch the next shuttle mission as it studies how to repair an external tank damaged in a hailstorm last month, a move the effectively delays the next shuttle launch until at least May. The tank, mounted on the shuttle Atlantis, was exposed in a freak hailstorm on February 26, causing thousands of gouges in its insulation. NASA decided shortly afterwards to roll the shuttle back to the VAB and to repair the damage, with the hopes of being able to launch mission STS-117 again in late April. However, engineers studying the tank said they need more time to determine how best to repair the tank, or if the tank should be replaced with one intended for the following shuttle mission. Shuttle managers are now hopeful that the repairs can be completed in time to support a launch in mid-May, near the next of the next launch window. If the tank has to be replace, however, the launch would slip into June.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
SpaceX sets Nov. 18 launch date for sixth Starship test flight
Posted: Sat, Nov 9 9:57 AM ET (1457 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Saturday, November 23
DirecTV Abandons Deal to Acquire Dish Amid Bondholder Opposition
Hollywood Reporter — 2:16 am ET (0716 GMT) DirecTV Ditches Dish Deal
Variety — 2:16 am ET (0716 GMT) DirecTV calling off Dish Network takeover after bondholders balk
Los Angeles Times — 2:15 am ET (0715 GMT) DirecTV terminates Dish deal over failed debt swap
Reuters — 2:14 am ET (0714 GMT) DirecTV announces termination of deal to buy Dish satellite business
Ars Technica — 2:13 am ET (0713 GMT) |
