NASA is targeting a 4:17 p.m. Election Day launch of Discovery as crews work today to replace leaky couplings on a helium line that delayed pressurization of an orbital engine pod.
"The actual repairs and the removal and replacement of those parts isn't very complicated, and we've done it in the past," said Jeff Spaulding, a NASA test director.
A leak occurred overnight while the shuttle's main propulsion system and orbital engines were pressurized with helium and nitrogen gas. The gasses help push propellant through the engines.
The leak occurred where a helium line connects to the Orbital Maneuvering System pod on the right side of Discovery's tail fin. Couplings on either side of quick disconnect valves outside the vehicle will be replaced.
The gas leak is unrelated to the recent repair of a propellant leak near the pod and the earlier replacement of a helium valve in the pod, Spaulding said.
Re-pressurization of the tanks is the most time consuming aspect of the work and forced a one-day delay from Monday's planned launch.
Launch Pad 39A will be cleared during the roughly 16-hour process, a hazardous operation that will stop other work at the pad.
A separate leak of nitrogen used to open and close valves will also be fixed, but is considered very minor.
"We're very confident in the workforce, we trust their ability to do this job," Spaulding said of the chances for making a Tuesday launch. "Right now we don't have any real concerns."
ABOUT THE IMAGES: Click to enlarge the latest still image from live video feeds in the Launch Complex 39 area at Kennedy Space Center.
9 comments:
Yippee for the Titsuville City Council Elections!
The Johnson, Secor and Leady stronholds will be TRAFFIC JAMMED!
ROFLMAO!
So, I'm guessing that they don't want the KSC people about to be laid of to vote, unless they are mail in ballots.
Not the brightest thought they had all day.
GOOD LET'S MAKE SOME MORE FRIENDS IN WASHINGTON
The state of Florida on the back burner with Nasa again.
This does not only tie up Titusville and Merritt Island voters but any Florida voter making the trip to view the launch.
Actually quite brilliant of NASA, the election news will drown out any problems with the orbiter, and from the looks of it there will be plenty.
And what geniuses at the local police forces decided to block off (post-launch) the west bound exit ramps at SR528/US1 and SR528/Industry Rd because of bottlenecks? Cocoa and Canaveral Groves residents now get to go to SR520 or Pt St John Parkway to get home. And what makes these pinheads think that THOSE exit ramps aren't going to be bottlenecks? Who are they kidding? There are worse 'bottlenecks' on SR3 from exiting launch traffic at every one of the red lights. And heaven help anyone of a barge comes through the canal. What about the west bound exit ramp at SR3/SR528? No less a problem than the other exit ramps. SR405 with the red lights aren't going to cause bottlenecks? Puh-lease.
Way to go????? They stop voters cause of launch traffic so they can't vote for Rubio. Next president ???????????????? Scared I would say.. I smell a setup. I am sure whatever the problem is it will be fixed for a Tuesday launch.
For those that are so concerned about traffic congestion due to launch activities should be reminded that such concerns are short-lived. Soon your troubles will be over.
Like it or not, Brevard county was counting on the Constellation program. Brevard was NOTHING before the manned space program. Guess what it will be after the manned space program.
No, go ahead. Guess.
One of the best places in the country to retire?
Post a Comment