(LaDonna Wyss) wrote:
Yes, but they WERE firing the thrusters (pulsing them is the proper
word.)

They were niether firing. nor pulsing them as the CM control systems
were not tied into the SM RCS system, rather the CM systems were
connected to simulators.

They had to open those valves and ensure everything in the
thruster was working properly.

Which was impossible to do on the day of the fire, because as noted
above and elsewhere, the valves and thrusters were not connected to
the CM systems.

As I'm sure you realize, there's really not much point to a Plugs-Out Test
and/or CDDT if you do not test the systems. This is not a simulator; they
can't wait until they actually launch to make sure the RCS is functioning
properly. This is not a simulator; they can't wait until they actually launch
to make sure the RCS is functioning properly. They must (and DO) test the
spacecraft--sans cryogenics--to ensure proper operation.

The point of any test of this nature is to, so far as is possible, to
demonstrate that the hardware is functional. However, the trick is to
decide very carefully what can and cannot be simulated, and the
effects of simulations on the validity of the test.

It's not a simple procedure as some things cannot be tested properly
in some configurations, some may represent a hazard to personell or
equipment, etc.. (For example, in the Plugs Out/CCDT tests the
various pyro's in the stack are not armed.) Thus your claim that
'this is not a simulator' is partially false as actions like fueling
and arming the pyros are certainly simulated.

Also, the Plugs-out and CCDT tests were far from the only tests
performed. It's quite possible to verify RCS functioning via a
seperate standalone test.

D.
--
Touch-twice life. Eat. Drink. Laugh.