In article ,
(Derek Lyons) wrote:

We are also learning *what* is breaking, and *how* it's breaking...
All invaluable for future designs and logistics planning.

Two excellent examples of this include things I had some indirect
connection with back on SSF - the Russian Elektron O2 generator (which
was touted as a proven, reliable system, relieving the U.S. of the
need to continue final development of our own independent OGA (Oxygen
Generator Assembly) as part of the U.S. ECLSS, and that weird,
hard-to-identify pressure leak which stemmed from a metal flex-hose
used to prevent inter-pane fogging of the window in the U.S. Lab. It
would have absolutely sucked had one of those hoses gone bad half-way
outbound to Mars with no replacements available. Yes, they stopped
the pressure loss by removing the hose and relying on the QD to seal
the system but what if the seal or the seat of the QD got nicked in
the process and started to leak, too? Stuff like that now will be
considered a lot more seriously - I remember having discussions with
my group Lead and my group manager at Boeing when they looked
incredulously at me at even suggesting a metal flex hose might develop
a leak on orbit. :-/

--
Herb Schaltegger, B.S., J.D., GPG Key ID: BBF6FC1C
"Pray: To ask that the laws of the universe be annulled in behalf of a single
petitioner confessedly unworthy." -- Ambrose Bierce
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