Tag: SSME
-
Investigation called after STS-127 SSME 1 found to have 100s of leaks
A failure investigation team has been created for Endeavour’s Number One Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) that was used during STS-127, which was found to have hundreds of leaks in its nozzle tubing during post-flight inspections. The engine – which was passed to fly after suffering from contamination at the pad ahead of flight – thankfully enjoyed a nominal performance…
-
STS-127 FRR Outlines Engine and Flight Operations Changes for JAXA Mission
With final launch processing underway on Shuttle Endeavour at Launch Pad-A, NASA managers have outlined several changes to Endeavour’s Main Propulsion System (MPS), Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate (GUCP), and Flight Operations & Integration procedures that will debut on STS-127 next week. STS-127 MPS Inventory Update: Taking center stage in the Space Shuttle Program’s (SSP) Flight…
-
Atlantis returns to OPF for STS-129 processing – Endeavour SSME contamination
Atlantis has returned to Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF-1) in preparation for her flow towards the STS-129 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Marking a busy period for the fleet, Discovery is receiving her SSMEs (Space Shuttle Main Engines) for STS-128, while Endeavour’s SSMEs are being evaluated – after corrosion/contamination was seen on tubing associated…
-
Downstream processing and planning – preparing the fleet through to STS-135
Even though shuttle managers are preparing for two missions in the space of a month, efforts on the downstream flights are at various stages of processing and planning, all the way through to STS-135 – which is currently the LON (Launch On Need) placeholder for what is currently the last shuttle mission – STS-134 –…
-
STS-119: LH2 leak during tanking postpones launch to March 15
STS-119’s opening launch attempt has been scrubbed until Sunday, March 15,, following a LH2 leak during tanking. The leak related to a carrier plate that is attached to the intertank area of the ET, with attempts to cycle the associated valve to reduce the leak to acceptable proving to be unsuccessful. Scrub info: Work at the…
-
Return to SSME – Ares V undergoes evaluation into potential switch
Constellation engineers are carrying out an evaluation process into a potential option of going back to the SSME (Space Shuttle Main Engine) on the Ares V first stage, which in turn would allow a return to a five segment Solid Rocket Boosters on the giant vehicle. The program has initiated a study to look at…