Space Shuttle Return to Flight - Pt. 2

[rybanis]

Also, and this might have been brought up before, but couldn't they try doing a tanking test without having to mate it to the vechicle? Just doing a standalone tank fill to see if the heaters would work. You wouldn't have to go through the trouble to stack and destack the orbiter (let alone sending it to the pad and back again). <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[ozspace]

Others would know more than I but I believe the only place an ET can be fueled is Pad 39A or B, not even at the factory.

 

[ozspace]

Seems a conservative move to have the third tanking test, although it would add another delay and trim the launch window. Any idea what would convince them 'not' to opt for this extra test? What findings from the new tanking test next week (with the current stack on the pad) would they need to get that would convince them a third would not be nessasary? Or will it be judged in the context of other analysis and testing?

 

[najab]

The propellants flow <i>through</i> the Orbiter, into the tank. Without the Orbiter there's no way to interface the ET with the ground systems.

 

[ozspace]

"The third test would not be performed if the cause ECO sensor problem and the LH2 tank diffuser problem are definately found."<br />If neither show any problems during the Sunday tanking test, and nothing has been found in the items you have already replaced, that would still leave them 'unresolved', right? <br />Once Discovery is off the stack access to the rest of ECO wiring can be gained and also greater access to the diffuser, I assume. <br />It would then be hoped to confirm the problems 'in the hanger' and check them off as solved, yes?

 

[shuttle_rtf]

Reminds me of the time I had to re-wire burnt out connectors to the headlights on my car. <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /><br /><br />Amazing info SG - I take it no issues were found to be causing the UA on this troubleshoot?

 

[najab]

><i>...access is really tight in the Orbiter aft fuselaget at the site it is especially difficult...</i><p>Especially since everything has been rotated 90 degrees from the orientation it was in when you last worked on it.</p>

 

[shuttle_rtf]

Through this area?

 

[najab]

Looks about right, shuttle_guy would be able to tell you for sure though.

 

[arkady]

ET = ?<br /><br />I'm still somewhat new to SDC, but and have thoroughly enjoyed following this and other subjects around here. In fact this place has quickly become my primary source of news about space related topics. Think I've got most of the abbrevations figured by now (this thread proved a challenge indeed <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> ), but this one keeps eluding me. Thanks in advance. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> "<font color="#0000ff"><em>The choice is the Universe, or nothing</em> ... </font>" - H.G Wells </div>

 

[najab]

ET = External Tank

 

[arkady]

doh! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> "<font color="#0000ff"><em>The choice is the Universe, or nothing</em> ... </font>" - H.G Wells </div>

 

[shuttle_rtf]

Fear not mate, we all started that way. <br /><br />Maybe we could do a page on here or on the NSF site that lists everything from SRB onwards?

 

[shuttle_rtf]

>yes, I almost got vertigo when I first entered a vertical Orbite, it was STS-1 and Dick Scobee and I ha a little disagreement to resolve involving a swith. <<br /><br />You've so got to write a biography or autobiography!

 

[arkady]

SRB was indeed the first obstacle to be conqured <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /><br /><br />There another thread under "Suggestions" concerning this matter. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> "<font color="#0000ff"><em>The choice is the Universe, or nothing</em> ... </font>" - H.G Wells </div>

 

[nacnud]

Perhaps we can get SDC or some else to host a wiki for information on the STS?

 

[elguapoguano]

Sounds like where I work. We have a lot of PEBCAK errors...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />(Problem Exists Between Chair And Keyboard) <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font color="#ff0000"><u><em>Don't let your sig line incite a gay thread ;>)</em></u></font> </div>

 

[shuttle_rtf]

Let's do both. I've got a load of newbies from the UK coming on board, so we can do a basic one on the NSF site...and then a fully expanded one here - which we'll cross-over with a link to the page here. etc.etc.<br /><br />We've got the RTF threads linked up to here over there - as this thread is priceless and cannot (and should not) be duplicated...actually quiet handy too given we've had to up the bloody bandwidth already...and I'm not rich! <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />

 

[Testing]

Here ya go for starters<br /><br />http://trs.nis.nasa.gov/archive/00000617/ <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[rybanis]

Woah, quite handy. I hate pdf files though. Argh. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[SpaceKiwi]

<font color="yellow">"...Fear not mate, we all started that way...." <br /><br />And all of us will freely admit to still having "moments"!</font><br /><br /><br />Yes I had the super-secret satellite SAA-1, with the unusual spot beam config, in geostationary orbit over the south Atlantic a few weeks back.<br /><br />arkady, that's the great thing about this forum. The really smart ones don't mind sharing their expertise with all of us, and we all become a little more knowledgable in the process.<br /><br />A couple of weeks ago I thought an ECO was what happened when you shouted something in a canyon. <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><em><font size="2" color="#ff0000">Who is this superhero?  Henry, the mild-mannered janitor ... could be!</font></em></p><p><em><font size="2">-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</font></em></p><p><font size="5">Bring Back The Black!</font></p> </div>

 

[Testing]

Schedule getting a bit slippery SG? <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[rybanis]

Damn you SG, now I have beer in my keyboard! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[shuttle_rtf]

And at least it won't be an UA if your sensors start playing up <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" />

 

[shuttle_rtf]

Any reason for moving the tanking test? Also is there a 'x-amount of days' contingency countdown to point at how tight making the July window might be?