Kennedy Space Center teams have paused their operation to mate Discovery to an external tank after a nut that fastens to a separation bolt fell out of position late this morning inside the rear section of the orbiter. Engineers have been meeting to determine how to access that part of the vehicle and correct the problem.
"They're meeting today to discuss the best way to get to it," said Candrea Thomas, a KSC spokeswoman.
Discovery rolled into the Vehicle Assembly Building on Thursday morning and was hoisted into a high bay where a tank and twin solid rocket boosters awaited on a mobile launcher platform.
Discovery's connection to three external tank attach points was expected to be completed today. The assembled stack is scheduled to begin rolling out to the launch pad Sept. 20 in preparation for a Nov. 1 launch.
NASA says no impact is expected to the rollout date.
Discovery's planned 11-stay in the assembly building is longer than the usual weeklong visit because NASA and contractors planned to complete preparations for the rollout in fewer shifts.
IMAGE: In High Bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center today, a large yellow, metal sling lowers shuttle Discovery to its external fuel tank and solid rocket boosters. Credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller
1 comment:
I had a slipped nut once, it was much more painful than a slipped disk
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