Tag: STS-133
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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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Discovery enters launch countdown – Crew look forward to STS-133
Following the changeout of leaky couplings and successful repressurization of Discovery’s Right OMS (Orbital Maneuvering System), STS-133 has entered the launch countdown for Wednesday’s launch. Discovery will be launching on her final mission, with her crew excited and honored to be riding on the veteran orbiter. STS-133 IPR-53 Resolution: With the changeout of the Air…
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STS-133: Pressurization complete – into checks, expected countdown preps
Engineers have completed S0071 tasks to pressurize Discovery’s Right OMS (Orbital Maneuvering System), following the changeout of related couplings/seals which delayed the start of the launch countdown (S0007). The repress of the OMS tank was lengthy process, with managers deciding on Saturday to move the launch date to Wednesday to avoid constricting S0007 tasks. Those tasks are complete…
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STS-133: Agency FRR approval for Nov. 1 launch date – SRB review
The Agency Flight Readiness Review (FRR) has concluded by approving November 1 as the launch date for STS-133. The decision came after a smooth review process, aided by the resolution of the OMS (Orbital Maneuvering System) crossfeed flange leak and the clearance of one “action item” from the Space Shuttle Program (SSP) FRR, relating to…
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STS-133: Crossfeed flange seal R&R complete – OMS reload in work
Engineers have completed the removal and replacement of the two seals on Discovery’s Right OMS (Orbital Maneuvering System) crossfeed flange on Saturday, after the eduction of the plumbing beat the schedule by over a day. Fuel reloading began at 6:30am local on Sunday, with Interim Problem Report (IPR-47) set to be removed in time to allow managers…
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STS-133: Engineers press forward with flange seal replacement
Engineers are continuing to work on IPR-47 (Interim Problem Report) – a leaky flange on Discovery’s crossfeed line plumbing – after a decision was taken to replace the two internal seals on the hardware. Earlier, torque checks found no issues with the system’s bolts, prior to the leak inadvertently ceasing via a pressure change in…
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STS-133: Discovery to undergo unique leak repair to avoid rollback
Discovery’s IPR-47 (Interim Problem Report) has become a potential schedule concern, after the replacement of a flight cap failed to stop a vapor leak in the orbiter’s aft. The leak is now believed to be in the crossfeed flange area, with the forward plan requiring the draining of the left and right Orbiter Maneuvering System…
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STS-133: TCDT completed – Engineers troubleshooting leaky flight cap
Another milestone was passed on Friday, after Discovery, along with her astronauts and controllers, successfully completed the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT). With the dress rehearsal completed, engineers are pushing forward with troubleshooting on a Air Half Coupling (AHC) flight cap, a Quick Disconnect (QD) which is leaking small amounts of hypergolic vapors. STS-133 Processing…