spacetoday.net: NASA tests shuttle external tank

Posted: Sat, May 21, 2005, 6:49 AM ET (1049 GMT)
STS-114: rollout (NASA/KSC)

NASA officials pronounced Friday's fueling test of the space shuttle external tank a success, but still need to examine the data to see if they have resolved two problems previously noted with the tank. The tank, still attached to the shuttle Discovery and twin solid rocket motors on the launch pad, was filled with liquid hydrogen and oxygen in an effort to resolve two problems found during a similar tanking test last month. During Friday's test engineers did not have problems with intermittent readings from fuel cutoff sensors experienced during April's test. However, a pressure relief valve opened and closed more frequently than normal, a phenomenon also noted during the previous test. However, engineers were able to clear a new heater installed on a strut as the cause of the valve cycling. Officials said after the test that they remained confident that the shuttle would be ready for launch in a window that opens in mid-July.