Tag: STS-119
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Shuttle Scrubber: SLS working to avoid GUCP leaks
With a deep heritage between the Shuttle’s External Tank and the Space Launch System (SLS) Core Stage, a NASA team recently evaluated recommendations to mitigate against leaks of the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate (GUCP) – the cause of launch day delays for three Space Shuttle missions – on the monster rocket. The GUCP: The GUCP…
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STS-119 BLT test a success, gains a greater understanding of reentry
STS-119’s Boundary Layer Transition (BLT) Detailed Test Objective (DTO) has been deemed a huge success, following the presentation of the test results. The tests will continue on at least two more flights, as engineers gain vital data on the conditions a spacecraft endures during reentry. The goal of the experiment was to measure the effects…
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Endeavour rolls out for STS-400 role at Pad 39B – GUCP anomaly status
Shuttle Endeavour has completed her rollout to 39B, where she will be put through a part flow as the STS-400 LON (Launch On Need) support for Atlantis’ STS-125 mission. During this flow, engineers will test the alignment procedures with the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate (GUCP) – following the leak during STS-119’s opening launch attempt. STS-400/127…
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STS-119 FCV performance boosts flight rationale for STS-125
Aiding the requirement of flight rationale for STS-125, engineers have found that the three replacement Flow Control Valves (FCVs) that flew on STS-119 suffered from no cracking, following inspections on the valves after they had been removed from Discovery. The news comes as managers prepare to conduct both the post flight review of STS-119 and…
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ISS concern over S1 Radiator – may require replacement via shuttle mission
Imagery taken of the delaminated panel on the International Space Station’s S1 Radiator has revealed a “structural risk” on the array, which has the potential to create an ammonia leak in the External Thermal Control System (ETCS). NASA managers are considering options that include flying a replacement radiator array on a downstream shuttle mission, along…
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Discovery deservicing in OPF-3 – TPS assessment positive
Following her 13 day mission in space on STS-119, Discovery is being deserviced inside her Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF-3), ahead of her next mission, STS-128. Close inspections of her Thermal Protection System (TPS) created a list of work that will be carried during her 101 day processing flow. Discovery touched down on KSC runway 15…
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STS-119: Discovery returns home to Florida – Soyuz TMA-14 docks
Discovery has completed her highly successful mission to the International Space Station (ISS) with a return to the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) on Saturday. The crew of STS-119 had two opportunities to land in Florida – with the first waved off due to unpredictable weather. A GO for the deorbit burn on Orbit 202 was given,…
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STS-119: Amazing Discovery undocks from ISS, heads to Late Inspection
Shuttle manager John Shannon has described Discovery’s performance as “amazing”, ahead of Wednesday’s undocking from the International Space Station (ISS). Discovery is now heading to Late Inspections of her Thermal Protection System (TPS) on Flight Day 12 of STS-119. Final Shuttle/Station transfers took place prior to undocking, mainly relating to human samples stored in cold…
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STS-119: NASA troubleshoots during problematic final EVA
Spacewalkers Richard Arnold and Joseph Acaba have completed the final EVA of STS-119, tasked with several replanned elements, including troubleshooting on the Unpressurized Cargo Carrier Attach System (UCCAS), which proved to be problematic. Meanwhile, no issues of note are being worked on Discovery, although engineers are monitoring the amount of propellant Discovery has been using…
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Packed EVA-2 completed on FD7 of STS-119 – Discovery round-up
Due to the deletion of EVA-4 from the docked phase of STS-119, spacewalkers Joseph Acaba (EV3) and Steven Swanson (EV1) were tasked with a packed EVA-2 on Flight Day 7. Meanwhile, Discovery continues to perform like a champ, with no issues of note being worked. STS-119 EVA-2: Saturday’s EVA saw the spacewalkers prepare for the…