- \n
- STS-128 Processing Latest<\/li>\n
- L2 STS-128 Section<\/li>\n
- Click here to Join L2<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u201cLH SRB update: Electrical reconnections and SCAPE operations to reconnect the HPU (Hydraulic Power Unit) fuel lines and was completed Saturday along with leak checks. HPU hotfire is scheduled for Friday 2nd shift,\u201d noted processing information on L2.<\/p>\n
Discovery\u2019s Payload Bay Doors were closed for flight on Sunday, following a quick review of an issue that was observed by engineers during their walkdown of the cargo bay.<\/p>\n
SpaceX
<\/path>Aerospace & Defense <\/path>SpaceX launch tickets <\/path>\n (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\/p>\n
\u201cOn the payload bay door right hand aft bulkhead bulb seal, four creases with cracks were observed,\u201d added processing notes. \u201cEngineering will process an MR (Material Review) on the condition, so the constraint to door closure was lifted.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another issue, related to a trunnion latch bolt on the orbiter side \u2013 was also cleared to fly as-is.<\/p>\n
\u201cPR (Problem Report) was taken for a possible galled bolt; the actual problem was trouble with the torque multiplier. Team decided to torque the bolt to near flight torque, safety wire the bolt, and provide rationale to fly as is.\u201d<\/p>\n
ET-132 FRR Debate:<\/p>\n
Following ET-131\u2019s numerous foam liberation events during Endeavour\u2019s ride uphill on STS-127, a large amount of attention has been paid on the next tank to fly \u2013 ET-132.<\/p>\n
![\"IFR4\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/08\/IFR4.jpg\" "\\"IFR4\\"")
While the intertank foam\u2019s adhesive properties appear to show no signs of a repeat liberation event on ET-132, the evaluations have continued \u2013 without full resolution \u2013 on the LO2 IFRs that run along the top third of the tank, following a foam shedding event during Endeavour\u2019s launch \u2013 the second in a row, after a similar liberation occurred on STS-125 with Atlantis\u2019 tank.<\/p>\nIt is commonplace for the previous mission\u2019s IFAs (In Flight Anomalies) to become a major part of the next mission\u2019s Flight Readiness Review. However, more often than not, such IFAs are cleared in time to allow for a smooth transition to approving the mission to proceed as planned.<\/p>\n
This time, however, there\u2019s a chance the IFR issue may not gain the required \u201crisk acceptance\u201d via the FRR, which would result in the stack rolling back to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) for modifications to two of the LO2 IFRs.<\/p>\n
Thanks to a multitude of data, mainly via photography gained by the crew after ET sep, and the Umbilical Well camera embedded into the orbiters, engineers have a full overview of both the foam liberation area and its mass from the deceased ET-131.<\/p>\n
However, despite a Technical Interchange Meeting (TIM), engineers are still evaluating the exact nature of both the release mechanism (foam shedding) and the potential threat such a liberation may have on the orbiter \u2013 in the event of an impact. Many variables are in work, such as the potential mass of such a liberation, and time of release.<\/p>\n
\u201cLO2 IFR TIM conducted 7\/29-30\/09 in support of STS-127 FRR action item. Action item: Present results of investigation into LO2 ice frost ramp debris releases, including a listing of alternate debris release mechanisms and possible inspection techniques to better understand LO2 debris releases,\u201d noted PRCB (Program Requirements Control Board) documentation (acquired by L2 late last week), which will make up part of the SSP FRR overview on Tuesday\/Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Interestingly, the notes from the TIM point to a change in the way the LO2 IFRs are applied to the tank during processing at the Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) in New Orleans. Those notes appear to point towards a potential correlation of increased foam shedding from the area, since the process was changed.<\/p>\n
\u201cKey Concerns\/Results: LO2 IFR debris releases increased since implementation of horizontal LO2 IFR application (2x). TPS (foam) loss may be result of unexpected\/unexplained failure mechanism. Subsurface cracking and\/or reduced strength induced by horizontal pour process. (However,) no discernable differences identified in review of vertical\/horizontal pour dissection data,\u201d added the presentation.<\/p>\n
Whether or not the ramps will require modification is yet to be decided, with initial data showing the IFRs are in acceptable shape, per Non Destructive Evaluations (NDEs) \u2013 which included Terahertz scans.<\/p>\n
\u201cNDE performed at Xt 718 on ET-132 at KSC (THz) and on ET-133 (when it was still) at MAF,\u201d added the presentation, before noting \u2013 for the first time in related documentation \u2013 that a void has been identified on ET-132\u2019s Xt 718 ramp (previously no voids were documented), in the same area that liberated during STS-127. However, the documentation notes the void is within requirements.<\/p>\n
![\"IFR3\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/08\/IFR3.jpg\" "\\"IFR3\\"")
\u201cOne possible void identified on ET-132 and within process limits (divoting not expected). THz NDE performed at MAF on aft three ramps as planned work since RTF (Return To Flight). Results have shown conservative correlation with analysis. No debris observed from indications with divoting potential. As-built process paper reviewed with no issues identified LO2 IFR.\u201d<\/p>\nWith the focus on the observed void on the Xt 718 ramp, the PRCB documentation notes a rational for acceptance.<\/p>\n
\u201cPreliminary Rationale for Acceptance: Terahertz NDE performed at KSC provides confidence in XT 718 IFR. Observations consistent with process performance expectations,\u201d added the presentation. \u201cOne possible void indication identified and assessed (1\u201d diameter cylinder around 2\u201d-3\u201d depth). Divoting\/ debris within documented risk assessment mass limits possible.<\/p>\n
\u201cPrevious test\/flight experience shows foam loss most likely to occur in multiple, smaller pieces resulting in appearance of larger crater. LH2 tank IFR thermal\/vacuum test results show successive popcorning-type events resulting in appearance of larger crater.\u201d<\/p>\n
The break-up of the liberated foam from the IFR, thus vastly reducing the potential for damage on the orbiter in the event of an impact, is believed to have happened during STS-127\u2019s foam loss.<\/p>\n
However, it would appear that some of the shuttle-related departments have disagreed with such rational at this time, based on the findings of a potential void in the ramp in question, and the threat of a single piece breaking away as a result.<\/p>\n
Such dissent of opinion is welcomed by the Space Shuttle Program (SSP), as it provides an additional drive to add confidence to the flight\u2019s safety. The question will be if any difference of opinions are noted via the latest data that will be presented to the FRR, or if all parties are happy to sign off on the risk acceptance.<\/p>\n
As of Monday, no firm indications were noted on which way the debate will go, be it rollback for modifications \u2013 which will likely include the spraying of an adhesive formula over the ramps to deter the foam from liberating, and\/or the trimming of the areas of foam \u2013 thus removing the threat.<\/p>\n
\u201cEngineering is evaluating potential modifications to the ice frost ramp foam,\u201d noted Monday\u2019s DA Staff Meeting Notes \u2013 on L2.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere will be an SICB (Systems Integration Control Board) meeting to evaluate foam data (ahead of going into the SSP FRR). The earliest launch for STS-128 could be August 24th depending on results from the foam discussions. The end of the launch window would be August 29th.\u201d<\/p>\n
UPDATE: However, earlier indications from the opening hours of the SSP FRR on Tuesday point towards a drive to accept the risk as within safety requirements. This is being debated.<\/p>\n
Forward Plan:<\/p>\n
Even if ET-132 is cleared to fly by the FRR, a forward plan has been drawn up by Lockheed Martin for the potential modification of the downstream tanks.<\/p>\n
![\"IFR2\"](\"https:\/\/www.nasaspaceflight.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2009\/08\/IFR2.jpg\" "\\"IFR2\\"")
The modifications would replace some of the foam prone to liberating with a spray-over of a different material. Such a move would also eliminate the potential for voids to form in the ramps.<\/p>\n\u201cForward Plans: Assessing potential to implement NDE methods at MAF or KSC for subsequent builds. Planning to inspect all stations with horizontal pours (7 locations). Developing option to retrofit as-built tanks to improve debris performance,\u201d added the presentation.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlan to remove in-board and out-board portion of PDL ramps and replace with manual BX spray. Outboard ramp BX spray previously validated in horizontal orientation and successfully flown on aft 3 stations (PAL ramp removed tanks).<\/p>\n
\u201cZero voids identified during validation. Eliminates PDL material where largest voids can occur. Design verification assessment in-work \u2013 No issues expected. Minimal\/no change in structural temperatures and FS expected.<\/p>\n
\u201cAft stations less critical for ascent heating environments. No additional wind tunnel \/ cryogenic cycling testing expected. LH2 Tank IFR BX extension previously test-demonstrated to 1.25 x maximum dynamic pressure. BX extensions previously test-demonstrated during LH2 tank\/ IFR thermal\/vacuum test program.\u201d<\/p>\n
Such a plan would be initiated from ET-133 onwards, with work being carried out inside the VAB in the case of the STS-129 tank.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlanning to perform work at KSC in checkout cell (vertical). Spray process validation plan in-work to ensure KSC ergonomics are addressed. Targeting all 7 horizontal pour locations on ET-133 \u2013 SE&I planning to provide ET with prioritized list based risk analysis.\u201d<\/p>\n
Interestingly, this plan is likely to make up most of the modification work to ET-132, should the FRR decide that rollback to the VAB is the best option.<\/p>\n
Another article will follow, based on the SSP FRR materials, (28 presentations uploaded into L2).<\/p>\n
L2 members<\/em><\/em>: Documentation \u2013 from which the above article has quoted snippets \u2013 is available in full in the related L2 sections, now over 4000 gbs in size.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Space Shuttle Program (SSP) Flight Readiness Review (FRR) heads into a two day meeting on Tuesday, with the focus on the status of ET-132\u2019s Ice Frost Ramps (IFRs). STS-128 may have to rollback for modifications to the ramps \u2013 if managers fail to agree on risk acceptance. Interestingly, documentation on the ramp that has […]<\/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":[9021,9205,7935],"class_list":["post-41028","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news","tag-et","tag-sts-128","tag-tps"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41028"}],"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=41028"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41028\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41028"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41028"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41028"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}