Tag: SSME
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SLS configuration nears decision point – Two-phase approach rejected
A decision on the configuration of the Space Launch System (SLS) Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle (HLV) is just weeks away, as final evaluations take place into a “staged evolution of a single heavy launcher”, after NASA’s leadership rejected the two-phase approach, which would have resulted in an open competition for the Beyond Earth Orbit (BEO)…
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STS-134: SSMEs ready to fly – Stack cleared following more bad weather
Endeavour is happily moving through her pad flow, despite having to endure yet more bad weather over her launch pad – resulting in additional inspections for hail damage this week. Thankfully, no new observations of damage have been noted on the External Tank (ET-122). Meanwhile, the Flight Readiness Review (FRR) for the Space Shuttle Main…
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STS-133: MMT decide to press ahead with Thursday launch attempt
The Mission Management Team (MMT) evaluations into the anomalies on the redundant Main Engine Controller (MEC) on SSME-3 have concluded with the approval for the required flight rationale, clearing Discovery to press ahead with Thursday’s launch attempt. Discovery’s next challenge is out of her control, with an 80 percent chance of unacceptable weather at T-0.…
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STS-133: Launch delayed at least 24 hours due to Main Engine Controller issue
Discovery has been given another hurdle to negotiate ahead of her opening launch attempt, after an electrical issue was noted on the redundant Main Engine Controller (MEC) on SSME-3. The original problem had been classed as cleared, following cycling and troubleshooting. However, a Mission Management Team (MMT) meeting later on Tuesday decided to scrub for…
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STS-133: Discovery through PRSD load tasks – Stalwart SSMEs reviewed
Discovery is enjoying an issue-free S0007 (Launch Countdown), as engineers complete the loading of the orbiter’s Power Reactant Storage and Distribution (PRSD) system. The veteran orbiter remains on track for an opening launch attempt on Wednesday, ahead of the ride uphill – to be aided by her three Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs), which received…
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Replica engines recommended for retired orbiters – Flown SSMEs for HLV
All three orbiters are set to donate their Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs) to the Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle (HLV) program, following their final flights. A Program Requirements Control Board (PRCB) meeting recommended the orbiters should instead gain Replica Shuttle Main Engines (RSMEs) – previously scrapped nozzles installed via an adaptor – for when the…
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STS-133: Discovery’s replaced SSME heading into key torque checks
With Discovery’s three Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs) now reinstalled on the orbiter, engineers should know by Friday if they have solved the torquing issue with ME-1. The engine – along with ME-2 and ME-3 due to access issues – was removed to allow for the replacement of the Low Pressure Oxidizer Turbo Pump (LPOTP)…
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STS-133: Discovery’s replaced SSME heading into key torque checks
With Discovery’s three Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs) now reinstalled on the orbiter, engineers should know by Friday if they have solved the torquing issue with ME-1. The engine – along with ME-2 and ME-3 due to access issues – was removed to allow for the replacement of the Low Pressure Oxidizer Turbo Pump (LPOTP)…
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STS-133: Engine placement order altered for Discovery
Two of Discovery’s Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs) will be re-installed in opposite positions, following their removal to allow for work to take place on Main Engine #1 (ME-1). The change to the engine order will allow for two SSMEs to return to Discovery’s aft next week, after the troublesome ME-1 turbo pump is sent…
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STS-133: Engine placement order altered for Discovery
Two of Discovery’s Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs) will be re-installed in opposite positions, following their removal to allow for work to take place on Main Engine #1 (ME-1). The change to the engine order will allow for two SSMEs to return to Discovery’s aft next week, after the troublesome ME-1 turbo pump is sent…