NASA contemplating changes to shuttle tank
Posted: Mon, Dec 5, 2005, 5:46 AM ET (1046 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
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Saturday, March 20
Review: Hubble 3D Takes You on Beautiful, Brief Space Journey
Wired News — 6:56 pm ET (2256 GMT) 'Argentine satellite SAC-D' will be presented in Bariloche
Momento 24 — 6:56 pm ET (2256 GMT) New Satellite Begins Sending Solar Data to Earth
AP — 6:54 pm ET (2254 GMT) Fla. Senator Says Obama 'Restructuring' NASA Plans
WESH-TV Orlando — 6:53 pm ET (2253 GMT) Lunar Rover Is Spotted For First Time In 37 Years
NPR — 6:50 pm ET (2250 GMT) |