Tag: MEI
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SMAT firings ramp up for SLS acoustic testing
The mini-me version of the Space Launch System (SLS) is now being put through its paces as part of the Scale Model Acoustic Test (SMAT) program. The heavily instrumented five percent scale model of the SLS is being used to provide data on the acoustical energy that could be expected during launch, in turn feeding…
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STS-134: Endeavour’s milestones realigned for April launch target
Pending the successful outcome of STS-133’s External Tank (ET-137) clearance for flight, managers have created a preliminary schedule for Endeavour’s realigned milestones. Currently, STS-134’s April 1 launch date is only a placeholder, but remains a target that can be achieved – providing Discovery doesn’t slip from her early February launch window. STS-134 Latest: Endeavour final…
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STS-130: Crew and Endeavour ready for TCDT – MEI sensor data update
The STS-130 crew are undertaking the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT) this week, which will be used as the dress rehearsal launch countdown for the real thing on February 7. Endeavour will be the second orbiter to fly with a suite of sensors relating to Main Engine Ignition (MEI) Acoustic and SSME (Space Shuttle Main Engine)…
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Endeavour readied for trip to VAB, sporting new MEI instrumentation
STS-130 is set to achieve its latest milestone, as Endeavour prepares to rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) on Friday. The youngest orbiter in the fleet will be sporting a full set of instrumentation, which will gain additional data on Main Engine Ignition (MEI) Acoustic and SSME (Space Shuttle Main Engine) Ignition Overpressure (IOP)…
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L-1 MMT prepare for STS-129 tanking – engineers discuss Atlantis with her crew
Atlantis continues to behave herself on Pad 39A, with no notable issues reported in the launch countdown. With the Mission Management Team (MMT) now meeting daily, the build-up to a “go” for tanking at 5am local time on Monday currently has no obstructions in its path. Meanwhile, engineering leads from the United Space Alliance and…
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STS-129: Atlantis heads into countdown – no major issues for L-2 MMT
T-43 hours and counting for the launch of Atlantis on her STS-129 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), as engineers begin a highly complex ballet of S0007 (Launch Countdown) operations. No issues are being worked at Pad 39A, while the clearance for launch is expected to receive a green light at next milestone of…
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STS-129: Atlantis receiving her ordnance – MEI evaluations continuing
Atlantis is continuing to push towards her November 16 launch date, with the pad flow milestone of ordinance installation taking place this weekend. Meanwhile, the main focus of flight rationale clearance – the Main Engine Ignition (MEI) Acoustic and SSME (Space Shuttle Main Engine) Ignition Overpressure (IOP) Environments, relating to a stinger on the aft…
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STS-129: Borescope inspections completed – aggressive instrumentation plan
An Engineering Review Board (ERB) meeting has created an aggressive forward plan to add instrumentation to Atlantis, with the aim of gaining a further understanding into the stresses endured by a Reaction Control System (RCS) stinger attach point during Main Engine Ignition (MEI). In tandem with the engineering discussions, borescope inspections have taken place on…
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STS-129: MEI issue may require additional instrumentation – NBL incident
Engineers are closing in on a plan to install instrumentation on Atlantis – in time for her November 16 launch date – in order to understand a potential issue with a stinger structure on the aft of the vehicle, which may be susceptible to the stresses of Main Engine Ignition (MEI). Meanwhile, a crewmember avoided…
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STS-129: Main Engine Ignition Acoustic debate leads FRR
Managers at the STS-129 Agency Flight Readiness Review (FRR) have been discussing an issue relating to an attach point between the aft Reaction Control System and OMS Pod, which may be around 20 flights beyond their predicted fatigue lifespan. Due to potential structural integrity problems via localized acoustics during Main Engine Ignition a forward plan…