With the realigned Russian Soyuz TMA-21 schedule not impacting on STS-134\u2019s launch date, Endeavour is pressing on with her April 19 target, after completing the first week of what will likely be her final pad flow. The week has been marked by the usual Interim Problem Reports (IPRs) and the slight drama of a dropped tool, but it\u2019ll mostly be remembered for the tragic death of one of her loyal engineers.<\/p>\n
STS-134 Latest:<\/p>\n
It is often underestimated as to the risks of working with the orbiters \u2013 as much as health and safety is a massive part of the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) culture. And while the details are vague \u2013 as they should be due to private and investigation purposes \u2013 Pad 39A witnessed the tragic death of United Space Alliance (USA) engineer James D. Vanover on March 14. RIP.<\/p>\n
With management standing down the pad flow as a result, Mr Vanover\u2019s colleagues bravely opted to return to work the next day, picking up from the successfully conducted Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) hotfire and mating of the Rotating Service Structure (RSS), into the operations relating to the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Flight Readiness Test (FRT).<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/A311.jpg\" "\\"A3\\"")
\u201cLaunch Pad Validation (S0009) operations resumed. SSME Flight Readiness Test (FRT) and ET actuator cycling are complete,\u201d noted the NASA Test Director (NTD) reports this week (L2). \u201cHydraulic system closeouts were started with a minor anomaly noted. System 1 compressibility is good.<\/p>\n
\u201cSystems 2 & 3 failed compressibility tests and re-run following hose re-mate (the operation allows this contingency without an IPR). He signature test and ball seal leak checks will now be performed next week.\u201d<\/p>\n
With leak checks and retorque operations all deemed nominal on the Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate (GUCP), preparations for pre-launch propellant servicing were put in work, as engineers mated Quick Disconnects on the Aft OMS (Orbital Manevering System) and RCS (Reaction Control System), after beginning what is known as S0024 operations on Friday morning.<\/p>\n
\u201cS0024 Hypergolic Propellant Servicing is in work: Call-to-Stations was completed at 2035 EDT Thursday night,\u201d added the NTD report. \u201cRCS driver test is complete. Forward RCS and Left OMS oxidizer load is in work Friday morning. Aft RCS and Right OMS oxidizer load Friday afternoon. Forward\/Aft RCS and OMS fuel load is scheduled for Friday night.\u201d<\/p>\n
Endeavour is only up to 30 IPRs for her entire STS-134 processing flow, the latest of which have all been closed.<\/p>\n
\u201cIPR 0027 (transducer A87338 indicating 0.8 psia s\/b 14.7 psia) update: The pressure transducer was removed, replaced, and successfully retested. IPR will upgrade to GSE (Ground Support Equipment) PR (Problem Report and close,\u201d the NTD listed.<\/p>\n
\u201cIPR 0028 (Ox coupler MD524 indicating a loss of pre-charge pressure) update: OMS re-performed the interface leak checks with nominal results. Transient contamination is the most likely cause of the failed initial leak check. The IPR will be upgraded to GSE a PR and closed.<\/p>\n
STS-134 Specific Articles: http:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/tag\/sts-134\/<\/p>\n
\u201cIPR 0029 (Ground Cooling Pump 2 did not go off) update: The GCU was found to be out of configuration as a result of Wednesday\u2019s Freon sampling. The GCU was successfully reconfigured and is operating nominally. IPR 0030 (GO2 nose seal leak check performed with a valve out of position): The valve was repositioned to the proper position and another leak check was performed with nominal results. The IPR will close as human error.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/A68.jpg\" "\\"A6\\"")
All other processing operations at the pad have been completed without issue, including the interface test with the Mobile Launch Platform (MLP) and \u201c1st motion system\u201d checkout.<\/p>\n
Power Reactant Storage and Distributation (PRSD) GO2\/GH2 and LO2\/LH2 system checkouts, ET camera functional and Firex\/Sound Suppression system firing room validations are also complete.<\/p>\n
Endeavour\u2019s two Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) are also in good shape, with lube oil inspections on their Hydraulic Power Units (HPUs) completed, showing servicing was not required.<\/p>\n
The pad complex is also continuing to receive deliveries of Liquid Oxygen (LOX), with four waves of tankers \u2013 20 in total \u2013 arriving on site and replenishing the LOX storage sphere this week.<\/p>\n
Reviewing Processing Incidents:<\/p>\n
Friday marked a couple of KSC Launch Readiness Reviews (LRRs), with large overviews on the health of the vehicle, and incidents which occurred during Endeavour\u2019s processing flow inside the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) and at Pad 39A.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/A73.jpg\" "\\"A7\\"")
The most recent incident occurred this week, when an engineer accidentally dropped an 8 inch wrench from near the top of the pad, causing some minor Thermal Protection System (TPS) damage to Endeavour\u2019s belly.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring FRCS (Forward Reaction Control System) fuel post QD connection operations, a 8\u201d crescent wrench fell between a grating gap in the floor on the 207\u2032 level,\u201d outlined the March 18 LRR presentation (L2).<\/p>\n
\u201cThe technician had just used the wrench to connect the facility side ground cable (tethered to his wrist during use), then removed the tether from his wrist and placed the wrench in his back pocket to perform a bond check. When reaching for the wrench to continue his connection on the oxidizer side, he noticed that the wrench was no longer in his pocket.\u201d<\/p>\n
The wrench was found on the MLP below, and the engineer informed Thermal Protection System techs of the likely path the wrench had taken.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/A86.jpg\" "\\"A8\\"")
The resulting damage can be seen on two tiles, and is deemed as minor \u2013 unlikely requiring any repair work (an update will be added if this situation changes).<\/p>\n
\u201cTechnician located dropped tool, and informed orbiter TPS personnel of probable fall path. Initial orbiter TPS inspections were performed on 2nd shift. Engineering Walkdowns are in work to verify integrity of flight\/ground hardware and\/or document discrepancies,\u201d added the presentation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWrench Came To Rest On MLP \u20180\u2019 Level Raised Decking, Approximately 6\u2032 South of Left Hand (LH) SRB Aft Skirt (In Between \u2018Y\u2019 Section of PVD Ducts Shown) TPS PRACA generated to perform repairs in travel path of wrench.\u201d<\/p>\n
Two previous incidents \u2013 which occurred inside the VAB during Endeavour\u2019s mating operations on the same day \u2013 were also reviewed in the LRR presentation.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/A95.jpg\" "\\"A9\\"")
The first incident happened during Orbiter Aft Platforms installation, when an ELSA (Life Support) bottle fell from the entrance level near the 50-2 door. A TQwN (USA Technician ,USA Quality Inspector, and NASA Quality Inspector) inspection of the area was performed to inspect for any damage.<\/p>\n
\u201cELSA Bottle Fell: While manipulating landing gear (GSE) hydraulic hoses to allow for entrance level platform installation, an ELSA bottle previously installed on the orbiter sidewall structure (shelf) became dislodged, possibly due to being inadvertently caught by the hydraulic hoses,\u201d noted the presentation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe ELSA bottle fell approximately 15 feet to base heatshield area, outboard of SSME 2. Damage (no repairs required): Dent in MPS (Main Propulsion System) GN2 purge line. Dent in the outer edge of SSME 2 heatshield structure. Crushed wire convoluted tubing.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/03\/A104.jpg\" "\\"A10\\"")
The second incident \u2013 relating to an orbiter aft access platform dropped during installation from the 50-1 door \u2013 did require some repair work, which was successfully carried out before Endeavour rolled out of the VAB.<\/p>\n
\u201cOrbiter Aft Access Platform Fell: While attempting to pin the small platform to two support beams, the platform and\/or beams shifted, causing the platform to slip between the beams and fall approximately five feet,\u201d noted the presentation.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlatform impacted and rested on the SSME 3 engine controller purge duct. Damage \u2013 compression and missing paint on the SSME 3 engine controller purge duct (Duct was removed and replaced).\u201d<\/p>\n
Several internal actions to prevent a repeat of the incident were noted in the LRR presentation, which also provided notes that several engineering groups have signed off on the affected areas as good for flight.<\/p>\n
And her launch date remains April 19, following the confirmation from Russian Space Agency Roscosmos that the delay to the launch of their Soyuz TMA-21 was not as long as rumored, with a new launch date of April 4 (22:18 GMT), avoiding any Dual Docked Operations (DDO) constraints \u2013 with Endeavour still arriving after the Soyuz is scheduled to dock with the International Space Station (ISS).<\/p>\n
(Numerous articles will follow. L2 members refer to STS-134 coverage sections for internal coverage, presentations, images and and updates from engineers and managers. Images used: Larry Sullivan MaxQ Entertainment \u2013 from a 1200mb database of photos and video (L2) of rollover, VAB and Pad ops for STS-134, and STS-134 LRR documentation on L2).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
With the realigned Russian Soyuz TMA-21 schedule not impacting on STS-134\u2019s launch date, Endeavour is pressing on with her April 19 target, after completing the first week of what will likely be her final pad flow. The week has been marked by the usual Interim Problem Reports (IPRs) and the slight drama of a dropped […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[3366],"class_list":["post-40501","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","tag-sts-134"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40501"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40501"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40501\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40501"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40501"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40501"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}