Space Shuttle Return to Flight - Pt. 3

[rvastro]

I am hoping too. With rollout just a day or so away-hope this is just a paperwork goof.

 

[shuttle_rtf]

No idea. Langley's also involved now.

 

[scottb50]

With the hurricane season looming it would be a lot better to delay the roll-out than to have to come back again on short notice.<br /><br />Even a week or so delay in roll-out would still allow catching up to a July launch, wouldn't it? The problem becomes there are so many little issues that anyone of them could cause a delay at anytime. I still think simple heated blankets, removed minutes before launch, could cover all the suspected areas of ice problems. The foam itself is another question altogether. Maybe reduce the thinkness and use an outer overlay. Saran Wrap or an industrial strength condom.<br /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[ozspace]

"OMS pods and Payload Bay doors can not stay in a non air conditioned environment (the VAB) because they absorb moisture from the atmosphere and would fail during ascent"<br /><br />Didn't know that!<br /><br />We are sure going to be in 'black out' mode while you're on leave SG. Are you going to keep up with the general status or will you take a total break?

 

[shuttle_rtf]

I'm not qualified to answer that. All I can do with this is to write up what is techical data presentations into a readable article form - ommiting any assumptions and opinion unless from an engineer involved - and following up the progress on best available data.<br /><br />I can't ask too many questions of people given I have to protect multiple sources, but no doubt quality spaceflight journalists like Justin Ray (spaceflightnow.com) will have an ability to follow-up also...then we'll all know where we stand as far as launch. By the way, I don't know Justin, so I'm not name-dropping on this information.<br /><br />Right now, RTF STS-114 is on a July 13-31 window and that doesn't change until someone qualified says so.

 

[earth_bound_misfit]

"RTF, I do not like the sound of that.............."<br /><br />Well SG, if you don't like the sound of that, then we definitely hate the sound of that!<br /><br />RTF, maybe you could let SG have a sneak peak at those doc's? He would have a good idea what it all means in terms of delays. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p> </p><p>----------------------------------------------------------------- </p><p>Wanna see this site looking like the old SDC uplink?</p><p>Go here to see how: <strong>SDC Eye saver </strong>  </p> </div>

 

[shuttle_rtf]

I'm under instruction not to pass on the "actual physical documentation" to anyone - and the wishes of sources are always respected. Same rule for everyone.<br /><br />Same reason why the completed article is now awaiting the approval from the said sources, so as to ensure no compromising of sources occurs and they are comfortable there is no sensitive engineering or operational information released into the public domain. That's why I'm being rather vague with the posts here.

 

[shuttle_rtf]

However, I do admit to my girlfriend reading the printouts......but she pulled a very confused face, so I think we're safe there <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" />

 

[scottb50]

The point I was making was doing the rollout on time and then delaying the launch for paperwork and have to roll-back for weather. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[ozspace]

"We are sure going to be in 'black out' mode while you're on leave SG."<br /><br />Hey RTF, I didn't mean to belittle your valuable contibutions here, you have brilliant sources and we appreciate the way you check facts before publishing.

 

[shuttle_rtf]

No offense taken! I'm only media, SG is a truck full of Aerospace Engineering and Apollo onwards expertise!<br /><br />Thanks for the compliement, but I've got many years to go before I'm deserving of it.

 

[norm103]

Is it just me or does this new shot of Discovery look like theres missing TPS on the OMS Pods? <br />http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/detail.cfm?mediaid=26101

 

[shuttle_rtf]

I don't think that is relevant to the hydraulic fluid leak - which was the first thing I thought before the picture uploaded.<br /><br />I'll ask and get back to you.

 

[scottb50]

I think they are access panels to the oms. The diagram I have shows them at about that same point. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[shuttle_rtf]

Here's the first of the LOX Feedline Ice Mitigation articles that has gained approval from the sources:<br /><br />http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?id=2921

 

[rybanis]

Oh for the love of God! Lets just launch the thing already! <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> </div>

 

[shuttle_rtf]

>So that means another tanking test followed by evaluation....<<br /><br />That's an assumption I thought too...and thus left it out. I want to be told if that's the case - or if they can in-work evaluations at MSFC. Hense the follow-ups.<br /><br />Going to try and get some pictures posted (on the NSF forum) to further explain what the ice looks like in that area, etc.

 

[shuttle_rtf]

Answer on the picture question:<br /><br />"Likely for Hypergolic fuel servicing that happens up until launch. Tiles will be removed at the pad to access different service ports etc."<br />

 

[shuttle_rtf]

Told there is not another tanking test for this mod. Will be done on test facility at MSFC.

 

[ozspace]

We have first motion of STS 114 with the new tank and they expect to be out on the pad around 10 am.

 

[shuttle_rtf]

10am in which timezone <img src="/images/icons/wink.gif" /><br /><br />On the pad and getting secured.<br /><br />

 

[shuttle_rtf]

Pictures of some related to the Feedline:<br /><br />http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=104&start=21

 

[shuttle_rtf]

Hope you're having a good time <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />

 

[najab]

How's the family? (It's your daughter you've visiting, right?)

 

[mrmorris]

<font color="yellow">" I am currently at NO. 1 son's place in portland, then to NO. 2 sons place 3 hrs away in Bend, OR."</font><br /><br />So... what are the younger son's thoughts about being referred to as #2? <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" />