External tank cleared for shuttle launch
Posted: Thu, Jun 8, 2006, 7:42 AM ET (1142 GMT)
Shuttle managers officially declared the space shuttle's external tank ready for launch after a final evaluation of test data about changes to its design. The tank design had undergone wind tunnel and other tests after NASA decided to remove a troublesome ramp that was prone to shedding foam during flight. The protuberance air load (PAL) ramp was designed to shield pressurization lines and cable trays on the tank from aerodynamic stresses during flight, but wind tunnel tests showed that the lines and cables would withstand those stresses without the ramp. The decision brings the shuttle a step closer to a July 1 launch, although the launch could slip a day to ensure better lighting conditions for photography of the tank after it separates from the shuttle orbiter. A firm launch date will be announced on June 17, at the conclusion of a flight readiness review.
Shuttle managers officially declared the space shuttle's external tank ready for launch after a final evaluation of test data about changes to its design. The tank design had undergone wind tunnel and other tests after NASA decided to remove a troublesome ramp that was prone to shedding foam during flight. The protuberance air load (PAL) ramp was designed to shield pressurization lines and cable trays on the tank from aerodynamic stresses during flight, but wind tunnel tests showed that the lines and cables would withstand those stresses without the ramp. The decision brings the shuttle a step closer to a July 1 launch, although the launch could slip a day to ensure better lighting conditions for photography of the tank after it separates from the shuttle orbiter. A firm launch date will be announced on June 17, at the conclusion of a flight readiness review.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
NASA IG cites overconfidence and unrealistic schedules for Starliner woes
Posted: Sat, Jul 4 8:11 PM ET (0011 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Tuesday, July 14
Warsaw to host ESA's New Security Centre
Defence24 — 6:41 am ET (1041 GMT) Astronaut legend issues update on his return to space
Oxford Mail — 6:41 am ET (1041 GMT) SpaceX to Briefly Test V3 Starlink Satellites on Next Starship Flight
PC Magazine — 6:40 am ET (1040 GMT) SpaceX Doubles Starlink Service Prices For Bizav
Aviation Week — 6:39 am ET (1039 GMT) USSF To Award Space Data Network, AMTI Launches By End Of Fiscal ’26
Aviation Week — 6:37 am ET (1037 GMT) |
