NASA scrubs launch of space shuttle Discovery because of faulty fuel-tank sensor.

Per CNN.com just a minute ago.

Sorry Star.

 

The Link:

http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/space/07/13/space.shuttle/index.html

 

“It will take some time to determine how long we will have to stand down,” NASA spokesman George Diller said.

Launch officials have at least two more opportunities to launch Discovery this week.

The next launch date for Discovery opens on the afternoon of July 14, with a second opportunity on July 16. However, should Discovery still remain earthbound after that, pad engineers will have to remove the fuel reactants inside the orbiter. An approaching storm could also prompt launch officials to rollback the orbiter to avoid damage from high winds, NASA officials said, adding that such a situation would cause a longer delay.

There are still two more weeks in Discovery’s July launch window, which closes on July 31.

 

I was just telling someone this morning that I really wished the launch was Saturday so I could watch it live.


I didn't mean to do it, honest.

 

just be glad ya didn't take a day off from work then

 

You would maybe prefer watching another explosion?

 

really, nasa isnt delaying, nasa is making sure it's pilots and crew are safe, and i applaud them for it.

 

Discovery's mission management team is still meeting to sift through the data from a variety of tests. At an afternoon news briefing, scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. ET, managers are expected to provide more information about the nature of the sensor glitch — and about the schedule for NASA's first shuttle mission since the catastrophic loss of Columbia more than two years ago.

If the problem can be fixed quickly, launch could be rescheduled for as early as Saturday — a prospect that looks increasingly unlikely. Even if more extensive troubleshooting is required, NASA might be able to fix things in time for launch later this month. But if the problem lies in the fuel tank rather than the shuttle's circuitry, Discovery might have to be moved back into NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building for more extensive work. That could delay the launch until September.

 

What a shame, I bet star will be gutted, but I'm sure they'll work to get that bird flying ASAP!

 

sorry, out of the loop.....can I ask what is it exactly that Star17 does at NASA?

 

Pray load manager?http://forums.majorgeeks.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gifhttp://forums.majorgeeks.com/images/smilies/redface.gif

i am wondering if my dream and the fuel sensor problem was some how connectedhttp://forums.majorgeeks.com/images/smilies/eek.gif esphttp://forums.majorgeeks.com/images/smilies/confused.gif

 

After watching alot of coverage this afternoon I kind of think it might be September now. From what I heard, they were troubleshooting several different things before this came up.

I hope they can get it going soon. Safely of course.

I bet Star is working his hiney off, he is really up for this one. Good luck my friend.

Steve

 

He's a senior level launch integration support specialist. Essentially, he is part of a team that configures various aspects of payload for manned and unmanned rockets to assure proper trajectory and orbital inclination. More often than not, he is also on the launch team for the missions where he's been a part of the payload processing.

 

I hope the guys and gals and NASA get the fuel sensor problem sorted out quickly, I want to see them light the candle on that baby, and put it in orbit soon.

 

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/5370/yahoorotfl9kt.gif

 

She knows it's just a malfunction.

Steve

 

It happens to everyone!

 

Star is in charge of the bungee cords and duct tape. And he's responsible for the number 7 in the launch sequence IIRC.


Good to see you haven't lost your sense of humor Star. If THAT were to happen, I'd know we were in deep trouble.

 

Sheeeesh...and he told me he just put the luggage in the trunk

 

Well, it IS your job to bring home the Bacon. But he's not that old. Only about 300 yrs.

Another one of his that travels well: Prosperity is not without many fears and distastes; and adversity is not without comforts and hopes. NASA knows both halves of that one well. Take care Star.

 

duct tape?

edit/damn you beat me to it /edit

 

How about a nice night out and a box of choccies? Seems to work for most other things...

 

The rubber bands are all loose. You've got to wind 'em up tight.

 

The most important rule is YOU MUST HAVE ADULT SUPERVISION!!!!!!!​

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N.A.R.​

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* MODEL ROCKET SAFETY CODE​

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Effective February 10, 2001


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As a member of the Estes Model Rocketry Program, I promise to faithfully follow all rules of


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safe conduct as established in the above code.​

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Important Note: ”G” engines must be sold to and used by adults (18 and up) only.​

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To launch large model rockets weighing more than one lb. (453 g) including propellant or rockets containing


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more than 4 oz. (113 g) but no more than 4.4 oz. (125 g) of propellant (net weight), you must notify​

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I will use only lightweight,


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non-metal parts for the nose, body, and fins of my​

rocket.​

2. MOTORS. ​

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I will use only certified, commercially-


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made model rocket motors, and will not tamper​

with these motors or use them for any purposes​

except those recommended by the manufacturer.​

3. IGNITION SYSTEM. ​

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I will launch my rockets


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with an electrical launch system and electrical​

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If my rocket does not launch


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I will launch my rocket from a


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My model rocket will not weigh more


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LAUNCH SITE DIMENSIONS​

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Feet Meters


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So, how many size G engines do you think it will take to put Discovery in orbit?

 

30 feet!! Get a good view from there

 

I hope you guy's get it going Star, looking forward to the launch.

Good Luck.

Steve

 

That picture above, looks like something I'd see in the 80's.

 

Great news Star! And thank you. The late-night guy at work is on vacation next week, and I got volunteered to cover 1-10:00 PM all next week. Was somewhat annoyed until now... I can watch it live Tuesday! Woot!

An auspicious day today: "One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind." Neil Armstrong, July 20, 1969.

 

Please tell me that's tracking northwest.

 

Don't scare me like that.

So where exactly will you be during launch?

Can you wear something easily identifiable, like Mickey ears or something?

 

he should wear a majorgeeks.com t-shirt a big green one

 

Can you get me Annette's autograph?

Top of VAB probably isn't a great idea. They still need you for the "8" in the countdown, don't they?

 

Extended igniter AND safety gear! OSHA will be so proud!

 

So THAT'S how you caught Abby. You're quick on your feet!

 

Possibly perspective? After losing a bird and a crew, losing a launch date is pretty small stuff. Frustrating, I'm sure, but not catastrophic.

 

True that. It's not in the same league, but I've lost friends in simple aircraft crashes, 2 of them I watched the scattered remains of their bird burn on the field not 100 yards from me. We minimize the risks that we can control, accept the risks that are inherent, and continue on. If we didn't do that, we'd still be living in caves.

 

If I worked for NASA, I would so have a pocket protector with the logo. And, wear it all the time.

Steve

 

Amazing stuff Star, great photos.

Ugh, I hope the guy's in the chopper know that's a camera your pointing at them.

Steve

 

thats a nice UH-1 Huey how much would it cost to order me one just like that with the guns?

looks like fun may i have a ride on them? seeing as they may never be used?

 

sounds like a bet any takers?

 

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif As long as you have adult supervision I would say you are clear to LAUNCH!!!!!!!



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v173/star17abby/6678.jpg

 

I am so sorry to hear this.

Hope it doesn't cause major problems.

You get some much needed sleep. Don't dream of buzzards.
Take care
Gal

 

Buzzards? I thought you kept all the congresscritters BEHIND the ropes?

Take a rest. You've earned it.

Press will likely salivate, but you've repaired something like 15,000 damaged tiles over the life of the birds, most all of them obviously NOT show-stoppers. That's a huge database of what's acceptable damage. I doubt Disco is any more buggered up than usual, but nobody's ever LOOKED this hard before. I wish that the darned tiles were less fragile, but the only other technology that seems to work in white-hot plasma is the heavy ablative heat shields that were used on the smaller capsules, and I'm sure that's not an option for the much larger shuttle belly.

Until we either find a better replacement for the tiles, or engines that can pack enough delta-V to slow down to atmospheric speeds instead of using friction braking, we're pretty much stuck using what we've got.

As far as the Gypsy Rose Lee fuel tanks, is internal foam an option, or is the inside of the outer skin the actual fuel tanks?

 

IT's a shame, but yes it was a test flight.

On the bright side, the ISS should be OK for a while

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/050728/325/focqb.html

15 million! That's where all NASA's cash has gone, they've invented a TARDIS

 

i been watching it on the nasa channel ( on dish network) right now the view is from the s-band cam:$ it looks like its getting ready to dock now

 

Thanks for the great photos Star- helps those of us who do have the affliction of dialup.

(mine may be going away soon!)