Photo by George Shelton/NASA.
The leaking landing gear strut will be repaired ahead of schedule.
"They're all done with changing out the four seals, and they're putting the landing gear together," said NASA spokesman Allard Beutel.
The early repair raised hopes that the Oct. 23 launch might avoid delays.
"That's not off the table," said Beutel.
Late last week, technicians discovered a hydraulic leak in the landing gear
strut, which functions like a shock absorber. The strut was dismantled Tuesday and four seals were replaced today.
The repair must be tested.
Now in its hangar, Discovery could move into the Vehicle Assembly Building early next week to be joined to the external tank and solid rocket boosters, which takes about a week.
Discovery is bound for a construction mission to the International Space Station. The shuttle will deliver the 21-foot Harmony module, which will serve as a node to connect other laboratories and expand the station. During five spacewalks, astronauts will relocate the massive P-6 truss to its permanent home and perform other construction tasks, including testing a material that could be used to repair a damaged thermal tile.
2 comments:
From a union member let me say, "Outstanding job techs". This is what you do best. Keep the orbiter safe. Hope to see you soon.
looks like you need more people
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