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27/07/2005
Concern focuses on damaged shuttle tile
Nasa astronauts will today focus on examining the thermal protection system of the space shuttle that was visibly damaged during lift-off.
The inspections will be conducted as Discovery's crew make preparations to dock with the International Space Station and get ready for three planned spacewalks.
For most of today Mission Specialists, Andy Thomas, Charlie Camarda and Shuttle Pilot Jim Kelly will work together on Discovery’s aft flight deck to inspect the Shuttle's heat shield. Most of the inspections will be made using the Shuttle's new Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) laser-scanner mounted on a 50-foot long robotic arm.
Originally planned as a routine exercise, the boom's sensors will be used to methodically inspect crucial areas such as the leading edges of wings and Discovery's nose cap for damage. The data provided by the imaging system will be downloaded to the ground for subsequent engineering evaluation.
Nasa confirmed that two "debris events" were spotted on an array of digital cameras around the shuttle launch pad.
A camera mounted on the external tank caught what appeared to be a small fragment of tile coming from Discovery's underside on or near the nose gear doors. This appears to have exposed a small white section of tile material believed to be around one inch square. A later image about the time of Solid Rocket Booster separation showed an unidentified fragment from the tank missing the orbiter. Notified of these observations, the crew were also informed that imaging experts would be analysing the pictures further.
Over the next four days mission managers will review all the information in an effort to determine the status of Discovery’s thermal protection system before it is "cleared" for landing.
The crew will also use handheld digital cameras to photograph tiles on the shuttle's Orbital Manoeuvring System (OMS) pods and tail section.
Nasa said that the final day's work schedule had time reserved for additional surveys of the shuttle's tiles if necessary.
Discovery is scheduled to link up with the Space Station on Thursday. During Discovery’s approach to the Space Station additional images of the shuttle’s heat shield will be taken.
In 2003, Space Shuttle Columbia broke up on re-entering earth's atmosphere. The accident was attributed to a piece of insulating foam from the external fuel tank puching a hole in the port wing's heat shield. Super-heated gases entering the wing weakened the structural integrity of the wing causing the shuttle to disintegrate.
Seven astronauts were killed in the catastrophe.
The Columbia Accident Investigation Board determined that the shuttle was not inherently unsafe, but recommended a number of improvements be made before flights recommenced.
(SP/KMcA)
The inspections will be conducted as Discovery's crew make preparations to dock with the International Space Station and get ready for three planned spacewalks.
For most of today Mission Specialists, Andy Thomas, Charlie Camarda and Shuttle Pilot Jim Kelly will work together on Discovery’s aft flight deck to inspect the Shuttle's heat shield. Most of the inspections will be made using the Shuttle's new Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) laser-scanner mounted on a 50-foot long robotic arm.
Originally planned as a routine exercise, the boom's sensors will be used to methodically inspect crucial areas such as the leading edges of wings and Discovery's nose cap for damage. The data provided by the imaging system will be downloaded to the ground for subsequent engineering evaluation.
Nasa confirmed that two "debris events" were spotted on an array of digital cameras around the shuttle launch pad.
A camera mounted on the external tank caught what appeared to be a small fragment of tile coming from Discovery's underside on or near the nose gear doors. This appears to have exposed a small white section of tile material believed to be around one inch square. A later image about the time of Solid Rocket Booster separation showed an unidentified fragment from the tank missing the orbiter. Notified of these observations, the crew were also informed that imaging experts would be analysing the pictures further.
Over the next four days mission managers will review all the information in an effort to determine the status of Discovery’s thermal protection system before it is "cleared" for landing.
The crew will also use handheld digital cameras to photograph tiles on the shuttle's Orbital Manoeuvring System (OMS) pods and tail section.
Nasa said that the final day's work schedule had time reserved for additional surveys of the shuttle's tiles if necessary.
Discovery is scheduled to link up with the Space Station on Thursday. During Discovery’s approach to the Space Station additional images of the shuttle’s heat shield will be taken.
In 2003, Space Shuttle Columbia broke up on re-entering earth's atmosphere. The accident was attributed to a piece of insulating foam from the external fuel tank puching a hole in the port wing's heat shield. Super-heated gases entering the wing weakened the structural integrity of the wing causing the shuttle to disintegrate.
Seven astronauts were killed in the catastrophe.
The Columbia Accident Investigation Board determined that the shuttle was not inherently unsafe, but recommended a number of improvements be made before flights recommenced.
(SP/KMcA)
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17 August 2007
Nasa: No Shuttle Tile Repair Required
Nasa management have decided that no repair will be necessary on the damage to a tile in Endeavour's heat shield. The Mission Management Team decided that Saturday's spacewalk would not include a repair of Shuttle's heat shield after it was concluded that the damage did not pose a safety risk to the crew or Endeavour.
Nasa: No Shuttle Tile Repair Required
Nasa management have decided that no repair will be necessary on the damage to a tile in Endeavour's heat shield. The Mission Management Team decided that Saturday's spacewalk would not include a repair of Shuttle's heat shield after it was concluded that the damage did not pose a safety risk to the crew or Endeavour.
05 July 2006
Discovery launch gains 'good report'
The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery has received a 'good report' following initial inspections of photographs of the lift-off. At an evening press conference late on Tuesday at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Nasa Shuttle Programme Manager Wayne Hale said. "I have a good report. The tank performed very, very well indeed.
Discovery launch gains 'good report'
The launch of Space Shuttle Discovery has received a 'good report' following initial inspections of photographs of the lift-off. At an evening press conference late on Tuesday at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Nasa Shuttle Programme Manager Wayne Hale said. "I have a good report. The tank performed very, very well indeed.
04 July 2006
Discovery to lift-off on schedule
Nasa have decided that the Space Shuttle Discovery will launch on schedule on Tuesday. Concerns had been raised by the discovery of a cracked area of insulation in a region of the external fuel tank that is prone to ice formation.
Discovery to lift-off on schedule
Nasa have decided that the Space Shuttle Discovery will launch on schedule on Tuesday. Concerns had been raised by the discovery of a cracked area of insulation in a region of the external fuel tank that is prone to ice formation.
03 July 2006
Space Shuttle launch delayed
A Mission Management meeting looks likely to decide fate of Shuttle Discovery launch. The first space shuttle scheduled to launch on Independence Day, following unfavourable weather conditions, was thrown into doubt when an inspection revealed a crack in the foam insulation of the orbiter's external fuel tank.
Space Shuttle launch delayed
A Mission Management meeting looks likely to decide fate of Shuttle Discovery launch. The first space shuttle scheduled to launch on Independence Day, following unfavourable weather conditions, was thrown into doubt when an inspection revealed a crack in the foam insulation of the orbiter's external fuel tank.
09 August 2005
Discovery lands safely in California
Space Shuttle Discovery has landed safely at Edwards Air Force Base in California at 13:12hrs BST after completing the complex series of de-orbit manouevres. Mission Control had earlier ruled out a landing at Kennedy Space Centre today as adverse weather on the US East Coast continues to rule out the primary landing strip.
Discovery lands safely in California
Space Shuttle Discovery has landed safely at Edwards Air Force Base in California at 13:12hrs BST after completing the complex series of de-orbit manouevres. Mission Control had earlier ruled out a landing at Kennedy Space Centre today as adverse weather on the US East Coast continues to rule out the primary landing strip.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
