Discovery returns to launch pad

[Madame Butterfly 0]

NASA Returns Discovery to Launch Pad

Shuttle Scheduled for Liftoff No Earlier Than July 13

By MARCIA DUNN, AP

 

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (June 15) - NASA returned the space shuttle Discovery to the launch pad Wednesday for the first mission since the Columbia disaster, after replacing the external fuel tank with a new model designed to prevent dangerous ice buildup. Shuttle managers are aiming for a liftoff as early as July 13.

 

 

 

 

Discovery's four-mile trek from the assembly building to the launch pad aboard the giant shuttle transporter took more than nine hours. The morning trip was halted several times because of overheated bearings in the transporter, and the speed fell below the usual mile per hour.

 

"A little bit of deja vu — we've done this before, we're doing it again," vehicle manager Stephanie Stilson said as Discovery crept to the pad.

 

The shuttle team was disheartened when it had to haul Discovery off the pad last month for more work, but understood it was the right thing to do, Stilson said.

 

"Today was not quite the excitement of the first time, but still, what a great thrill to be back on track, moving in the right direction, getting ready for launch, getting back out to the pad," she said.

 

Discovery was transported to the pad in April but removed May 26 after NASA determined that potentially deadly pieces of ice could form over an expansion joint on the external fuel tank after the super-chilled fuel was loaded. Managers decided to install a heater at the joint, located along the feed line for liquid oxygen.

 

Falling chunks of ice could be even more menacing than pieces of the fuel tank's insulating foam, which was responsible for Columbia's destruction during re-entry and the deaths of seven astronauts 2 1/2 years ago. Because of their focus on keeping big chunks of foam from coming off the tank during liftoff, engineers did not realize the ice threat until April.

 

NASA replaced Discovery's fuel tank with one intended for Atlantis on the second post-Columbia flight, because it was quicker to add a heater to the expansion joint on that second tank. Discovery also got the two booster rockets intended for Atlantis.

 

Stilson said Discovery should now be the safest shuttle to ever fly, with all the other safety modifications made in the wake of the Columbia catastrophe.

 

NASA is still assessing the potential danger of ice buildup on brackets on the tank. Options for reducing that risk include using infrared lamps at the pad or putting bags over the brackets.

 

Discovery's 12-day mission to the international space station is considered a test flight because of all the changes.

 

 

06-15-05 12:58 EDT

[Yillara Skye 1]

It is nice to see that they are making the return

 

Definately will be keeping my eyes on the sky (hopefully it is not raining here when it does happen) on the day(or night) it does launch.

[A l t e r E g o 9]

 

 

Not to rain on the parade but I have issues with their statements.

 

NASA returned the space shuttle Discovery to the launch pad Wednesday for the first mission since the Columbia disaster, after replacing the external fuel tank with a new model designed to prevent dangerous ice buildup.

 

I find it IMPOSSIBLE to believe the shuttle would have been rolled out to the pad without a new improved tank the first time. Eliminating danger from ice and foam was the reason for the fixes in the first place.

 

Discovery was transported to the pad in April but removed May 26 after NASA determined that potentially deadly pieces of ice could form over an expansion joint on the external fuel tank after the super-chilled fuel was loaded. Managers decided to install a heater at the joint, located along the feed line for liquid oxygen.

 

They've known for years ice could damage the ship, that is why they started putting foam on it. They had to roll the ship out to the pad before they could be sure ice would not form? Didn't the new tank design receive any testing, how could they not know ice would form? They had experience with ice forming before, adding foam was the (so called) solution. Something stinks.

 

I understand the need for safety but and imo they are still bumbling their way along, the need to roll the ship out before a potential new problem could be found shows a lack of quality at critical testing stages. Knowing where and why ice would form is a no brainier because as I said above; that is why they started putting foam on, to insulate against ice forming.

 

I am tired of being expected to dutifully swallow NASAs crap.

[HRH The KING 0]

Nope.

 

Sorry.

 

Not buying this one.

 

Fourteen astronauts killed using this vehicle is unacceptable.

 

I have NEVER liked the design of the Space Shuttle system and have always questioned its usefulness and efficiency.

 

We do not need a Space Shuttle program anymore. They should all be retired.

 

NASA has lost all credibility and trust with me.