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, July 4
Coolest spacecraft ever in orbit around L2
ESA — 4:24 am ET (0824 GMT) Moonwalker Aldrin says we should colonise Mars
The Herald — 4:23 am ET (0823 GMT) Interest in space memorabilia takes a leap
Financial Times — 4:22 am ET (0822 GMT) Evidence mounts that Mars was once habitable
Arizona Republic — 4:17 am ET (0817 GMT) First Moon images sent back by Nasa orbiter show incredible details just 10ft across
The Daily Mail — 4:17 am ET (0817 GMT) |