Jacques van Oene
April 14th 05, 07:21 PM
Tanking Test Underway
At 8:14 a.m. EDT on Thursday, April 14, 2005, NASA began a
propellant-loading test of Space Shuttle Discovery's External Tank at Launch
Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. During the 11-hour test, the tank is
filled to launch levels with ultra-cold hydrogen and oxygen propellants,
known as "cryogenics." The test is designed to evaluate how the tank,
orbiter, Solid Rocket Boosters and ground systems are performing under full
"cryo-load."
Throughout testing, engineers will observe the effectiveness of key safety
modifications made to the External Tank. NASA has replaced the tank's
original foam bipod ramp with a new heater system to keep the fitting clear
of ice. Experts also will pay attention to the newly designed "drip lip,"
which reduces ice accumulation on the liquid oxygen feedline bellows.
During cryo-loading, NASA's ice/debris team will completely inspect the
tank, evaluating ice and frost build-up. While ice formation is normal
during cryo-loading, the team will compare its development to safety testing
completed at various research facilities around the country.
Hatch closure of Raffaello, the Italian-built Multi-Purpose Logistics
Module, also occurred at 9:18 a.m. in preparation for launch aboard
Discovery. The closure signifies yet another significant milestone in NASA's
steady progression toward Return to Flight. Inside the 15-by-21 foot
Raffaello are 12 "racks," which hold parts, clothing, food and experiments
bound for the International Space Station. After the module's contents are
delivered, it will be filled with the Station's used supplies and concluded
experiments for transportation back to Earth.
--
--------------
Jacques :-)
www.spacepatches.info
At 8:14 a.m. EDT on Thursday, April 14, 2005, NASA began a
propellant-loading test of Space Shuttle Discovery's External Tank at Launch
Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center, Fla. During the 11-hour test, the tank is
filled to launch levels with ultra-cold hydrogen and oxygen propellants,
known as "cryogenics." The test is designed to evaluate how the tank,
orbiter, Solid Rocket Boosters and ground systems are performing under full
"cryo-load."
Throughout testing, engineers will observe the effectiveness of key safety
modifications made to the External Tank. NASA has replaced the tank's
original foam bipod ramp with a new heater system to keep the fitting clear
of ice. Experts also will pay attention to the newly designed "drip lip,"
which reduces ice accumulation on the liquid oxygen feedline bellows.
During cryo-loading, NASA's ice/debris team will completely inspect the
tank, evaluating ice and frost build-up. While ice formation is normal
during cryo-loading, the team will compare its development to safety testing
completed at various research facilities around the country.
Hatch closure of Raffaello, the Italian-built Multi-Purpose Logistics
Module, also occurred at 9:18 a.m. in preparation for launch aboard
Discovery. The closure signifies yet another significant milestone in NASA's
steady progression toward Return to Flight. Inside the 15-by-21 foot
Raffaello are 12 "racks," which hold parts, clothing, food and experiments
bound for the International Space Station. After the module's contents are
delivered, it will be filled with the Station's used supplies and concluded
experiments for transportation back to Earth.
--
--------------
Jacques :-)
www.spacepatches.info