**Over 3000mb of STS-116 onwards related presentions and mission documentation <\/em>available on L2<\/em> <\/em>** <\/em><\/p>\n PRCB Presentation on LAR. Several PRCB presentations on On Orbit TPS repair and more available on L2.<\/em><\/p>\n **LIVE news updates on Atlantis STS-117 Processsing Flow**<\/em><\/p>\n **LIVE news updates on Endeavour STS-118 (LON-318) Processing**<\/em><\/p>\n **LIVE news updates on Discovery STS-122 (LON-322) Processing**<\/em><\/p>\n Space tourism guides (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});<\/p>\n The patch is large enough to cover a sizable breach in the TPS, which currently would result in a LON (Launch On Need) requirement being called, with the crew taking up the safe haven option at the International Space Station (ISS), before being \u2018rescued\u2019 by another orbiter.<\/p>\n While the 33 page presentation \u2013 which was reviewed by the PRCB (Program Control Requirements Board) meeting in Houston \u2013 doesn\u2019t directly link this capability to STS-125\u2019s mission to service the Hubble Space Telescope, NASA is looking at a salvo of capabilities in case of a worst case scenario debris event with Atlantis. STS-125 is the only flight on the remaining manifest not to have the option of safe haven at the ISS. <\/font><\/p>\n The presentation itself opened with an optimistic tone, pointing to the Large Area Repair (LAR) capability as part of previous proposals that only require refining to become a manifested repair option. <\/font><\/p>\n \u2018With limited Program life remaining we did not start from scratch. Reviewed all proposals received during last 5 years and previous R&D efforts for RCC repair. Did not discourage new proposals \u2013 however none received,\u2019 noted the Recommendation to the Space Shuttle Program (SSP) presentation.<\/font><\/p>\n \u2018Determined that LaRC (Langley Research Center) \/JSC (Johnson Space Center) LAR provided the best opportunity for success: Most mature. Good successes in previous R&D testing. Capable Team and resources.<\/p>\n \u2018EA provided initial funding to determine feasibility for implementation. Redirected from Research Approach to Implementation Approach: Focused on refining concepts and improving designs for Large Area Repair (LAR) and fasteners.\u2019<\/font><\/p>\n The increased capability is an improvement on the current \u2018plug\u2019 repair, which would be used on small holes, but not those which could occur around interfaces \u2013 such as T-seals. LAR already has costings and a level of developmental maturity in place to allow this concept to move forward. <\/font><\/p>\n \u2018EA Recommendation: If RCC Large Area Repair capability is desired, this is the approach to take. Alternate recommendation may be to continue feasibility work on Fastener w\/NOAX for MMOD \/ small hole repair. Work with MV to define project scope and develop detailed cost & schedule.<\/font><\/p>\n \u2018<\/font>Concept provides capability over T-seals and other areas not covered by Plug due to interferences. Fastener with NOAX sealant provides small MMOD hole repair capability (Nose Cap and other areas).\u2019<\/font><\/p>\n The LAR patch is flexible, allowing for the covering of breaches in the wing leading edge, as well as being able to be placed over small holes \u2013 such as MMOD (micrometeoroid\/orbiting debris) impacts \u2013 on the nose cap.<\/p>\n Testing will continue to evaluate the LAR patches ability to cover such damage on the orbiter. Such testing will help mitigate some of the \u2018key issues\u2019 that remain.<\/font><\/p>\n \u2018Need sufficient properties (thermal and mechanical) for repair system component design. Maximum size of LAR cover allowable without buckling during re-entry. Develop technique for locating fasteners within perimeter of LAR cover. Characterize NOAX as edge sealant for LAR system. Plasma resistance of all materials and components. Understand effects of misaligned fasteners on plasma resistance and mechanical behavior & installation. <\/font><\/p>\n \u2018Establish technique for proper alignment of fasteners and threaded holes. On-orbit handling of components and installation of repair system. On-orbit inspection of repair systems after installation. On-orbit thermal cycling of installed repair system.\u2019<\/p>\n Another benefit of developing LAR can also be gained by using the fasteners and washers that will keep LARs in place as repair items themselves. In the case of small holes, likely from a MMOD strike, those items could themselves plug the gap, allowing them to fly on the orbiters before the LAR plate was certified.<\/font><\/p>\n \u2018An inherent benefit of this approach is the ability to use the fasteners or the fasteners and washers in repairs independent of using the LAR cover plate. Items will be qualified early as critical components of the LAR. Minimal stowage requirements Can be flown sooner than whole system,\u2019 continued the presentation.<\/font><\/p>\n The next major step in bringing LAR into the repair manifest is to procure multiple batches of LAR flexible ceramic sheet, SAR covers, C\/SiC threaded fasteners and NOAX sealant \u2013 needed to support arcjet tests and thermal\/mechanical tests.<\/font><\/p>\n LAR will only be certified after extensive thermal and mechanical testing, with no schedule noted at this time. However, with the Shuttle Program due to end in 2010, NASA will want to have this capability assessed and implemented as soon as possible.<\/font><\/p>\n <\/font><\/p>\n<\/p>\n **INFINITY: 10 minute STS MUSIC VIDEO**<\/font><\/em><\/font> \u2013 **NASASpaceflight.com Job Opportunities**<\/em><\/font> <\/font><\/em><\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Despite the recent run of \u201cclean\u201d flights of the shuttle, NASA are pressing ahead with a plan to add a new on orbit repair capability, as the agency continues a two-pronged effort on both reducing damage from debris strikes and the ability to repair damage to the orbiter in space. Currently, small holes in the […]<\/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":[],"class_list":["post-41815","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41815"}],"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=41815"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41815\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41815"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41815"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41815"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}The panel, which can be shaped to the curve of the leading edge of the orbiter\u2019s wings, would be fastened over the breach with screws, after an astronaut had drilled holes into the Reinforced Carbon Carbon (RCC) panel. It is also capable of being a patch for the nose cap of the orbiter.<\/font><\/p>\n
<\/font>**Ride home through the fire and plasma of re-entry with Atlantis on STS_115 \u2013 And now also with Discovery on STS-116 \u2013 TWO Stunning 2hr, 355mb video \u2013 from deorbit burn to post landing**<\/font> <\/p>\n
To install the patch would be no easy task, with spacewalkers being required to drill\/tap holes into the RCC around the damaged location. Fasteners and washers would be needed to help secure the patch in place, before being sealed with NOAX.<\/p>\n
\u2018Fasteners & Drill \/ Tap can be made in more than one size to accommodate holes smaller than the 1.1 in. diameter hole required for a Plug repair Currently assessing nominal 5\/16 in. fasteners. Fasteners in at least two sizes provide capability for some MMOD hits to the highly curved Nose (used with NOAX). Fasteners with washers and NOAX may provide additional protection.\u2019<\/font><\/p>\n
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