Tag: STS-133
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Engineers find a flexible solution for Discovery’s S-Band antenna cable
After it was revealed that several replacement S-Band antenna cables were found to be “too short”, Discovery’s engineers have opted to install an alternative type of cable. The flexible alternative was used to mitigate the issues surrounding the routing of the long cable through the tight pathways of Discovery’s middeck, which proved to be problemative with the original semi-rigid cables.…
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STS-133: S-Band Antenna Cable Conundrum for Discovery
Discovery’s engineers are attempting to evaluate options for a suitable coax cable on her S-Band antenna system, following a decision to changeout the cable after the orbiter returned from STS-131. The first replacement cable failed bench tests, leading to the request for a second, third and fourth replacement. However, these latest cables are all classed as…
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STS-133: SpaceX’s DragonEye set for late installation on Discovery
The DragonEye (DE) relative navigation sensor – set to ride with Discovery on STS-133 – will be installed two weeks later than planned, following a laser rod failure during testing. Discovery – currently enjoying a smooth processing flow – will be conducting the second test for the sensor during her arrival at the International Space…
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NASA Reviews COPV Reliability Concerns for Final Program Flights
Since the Return to Flight timeframe, concerns regarding the state of the Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels (COPVs) on the orbiter fleet have led to restrictions in terms of ground processing to ensure the protection of the hardware and the workforce. However, recent testing of the COPVs has resulted in a request from the SSP (Space…
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Right OMS Pod set for re-installation as ET-138 arrives at KSC for STS-134
Following a month of repair work inside the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility (HMF), Discovery’s Right Orbital Maneuvering System (ROMS) Pod has returned to Discovery’s Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF-3) for re-installation on Thursday. Meanwhile, STS-134’s External Tank (ET-138) – has arrived at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC). STS-133 Processing Latest: Discovery is in great shape to make…
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NASA Prepares for Robonaut Launch to ISS on STS-133/Discovery
The face (or rather the body) of the shape of things to come in terms of human/robotic exploration of the solar system has arrived. As NASA gears up for the penultimate flight of the Space Shuttle this coming November, a special payload is nearing completion – a payload that is hoped will help revolution human-robotic…
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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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NASA managers refine launch dates – deadline approaching for STS-135
As has been expected for many weeks, NASA managers have approved the Change Requests (CR) for the launch dates of the next two shuttle missions. With STS-133 moving to November 1, STS-134 is targeting February 26 – although the threat of the program running out of funding may force Endeavour’s launch up by a week…
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Streaks from Atlantis’ SSMEs noted as Discovery gains engines back
An In Flight Anomaly (IFA) Review into STS-132’s ascent has noted an observation of over 200 streaks from Atlantis’ Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) plumes during ascent. While the number of streaks is twice the amount of the previous “record” no loss of performance or safety margins were breached. Meanwhile, Discovery has received all of…