The malfunctioning sensors are now working normally, but a committee of experts is meeting today to analyze the data and decide whether the shuttle is fit for flight.
Update 8/12/2007 time 12:00
NASA is now scheduling the launch of Atlantis for mission STS-122 no earlier than Sunday at 15:21 p.m. (22:21 p.m. Israel time). Shuttle program managers made the decision after reviewing on Friday the problems discovered in the fuel cut-off sensors inside the shuttle's external fuel tank.
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עדכון,7/12/07 שעה 17:00
The Atlantis launch for mission STS-122 was delayed to Saturday at 22:43 p.m
This sensor system is one of several systems designed to protect the shuttle's main engines by shutting them down if the fuel level reaching them is unexpectedly low. One of the criteria for launch is that at least three out of four sensors work properly before launch.
Shuttle program managers say the mission management team will meet tonight (Friday, 21 p.m. Israel time) to discuss the next steps to start a new countdown. A press conference is expected to be broadcast on NASA television at midnight.
On Thursday morning, two of the four sensors failed to pass the test during preparations for launch. While the fuel was being drained from the tank, the engineers monitored and gathered information about the liquid hydrogen sensors that had failed. During the process, another sensor showed false readings, claiming that the tank was "wet" when it was dry. All of these sensors now show on a dry tank, as they were supposed to.
In the 11-day mission to the space station, the two teams will work together with the ground crews to install and operate the Columbus Space Laboratory. The new laboratory will expand the station's scientific research capabilities.
3 תגובות
I will check it.
I was not at home all day.
Rejected Linaur
Better to be safe than sorry.