SEE, SNAP, SEND

SEE, SNAP, SEND
Recent SixPix From Viewers

°

Homepage / Technology
Text Size

Sunday Shuttle Launch Possible But Not Likely

12 Engineering Teams Checking Problem

POSTED: Thursday, July 14, 2005
UPDATED: 5:56 pm EDT July 14, 2005

NASA said Thursday that it will not make another attempt to launch space shuttle Discovery until at least Sunday -- and even that is a "really optimistic good-luck scenario."

  • NASA said Friday it would not try to launch the space shuttle Discovery until late next week -- at the earliest.

    Deputy shuttle program manager Wayne Hale said the space agency still probably faces several days of troubleshooting to figure out what caused the faulty fuel-gauge reading that forced the cancellation of Wednesday's launch attempt.


    SPECIAL SECTION: Return To Flight
    INTERACTIVE:All About Space Shuttles
    IMAGES: Meet Crew | Heads To Pad
    NOTE: Discovery Facts
    VIDEO: Scrubbed | Remembering Columbia
    VIDEO: Crew To Shuttle | Crew Prepares

    Hale said the space agency had 12 engineering teams around the country trying to figure out the problem.

    NASA engineers still weren't exactly sure why the sensor wasn't working properly, he said.

    Inside the external tank, one of four sensors that measure the liquid hydrogen started giving erratic readings before launch Wednesday.

    The faulty gauge reading cropped up after the tank was filled with more than 500,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen and oxygen. Launch controllers ran a test to check out all four hydrogen-fuel gauges in the tank; when they sent a command mimicking an empty tank, three indicated empty, while one stayed stuck on full.

    Video

    The shuttle's eco-sensors are supposed to shut down engines if fuel runs low.

    "If that were to happen during flight, it could lead to a catastrophic failure," Local 6 News reporter Donald Forbes said.

    There could be several sources for the bad reading, Local 6 News reported.

    "One would be the sensor itself inside the external tank and that would mean a lengthy delay," Forbes said.

    "If we have to start thinking about getting inside the external tank, that is an extremely large job to do," shuttle launch manager Mike Leinbach said. "And it's one that I've said in the past that we would prefer to do in the Vehicle Assembly Building."

    The problem could also be easier to fix, according to Forbes.

    "There are several failure modes we could be in here which could allow a rapid turnaround," Astronaut Dave Wolf said.

    Experts said an electronics box on the craft could be bad and that would only require replacing it. A bad wire is also a possibility, which would also be a quick fix.

    Thursday, a technician was under shuttle Discovery to investigate the problems.

    If the shuttle is forced to roll back to the Vehicle Assembly Building, the launch could be pushed back until September, Local 6 News reported.

    Wednesday, thousands of people had descended on Florida's Kennedy Space Center for the launch, including families of the seven astronauts killed when Columbia disintegrated.

    Similar fuel-gauge problems had cropped up during tests in April but technicians and officials thought they had been fixed.

    Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.


    Links We Like

    Sponsored Content
    Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

    To get the most out of your remodel, check out these 10 home updates that have the biggest payoffs when it comes time to sell your home. More

    The first step in reducing debt is recognizing how much you have. Let us help you with the rest and get out from under your debt in 12 months. More

    Do you want the look of a quality paint job without the hassle of having to redo it over and over? Spray on siding could be the answer. More

    Most Popular

    Marketplace

    • AutoClick to Expand

    • JobsClick to Expand

      • 7 Killer Cover Letter Mistakes

        Don’t ruin your chances of landing that new job by making easy to correct mistakes on your cover letter.

      • Why Having Fun At Work Matters

        If people are having fun, they’re going to work harder, stay longer, maintain their composure in a crisis and take better care of the organization.

      • Ten Tips To Boost Your Interview IQ

        Interviewing is a learned skill, and there are no second chances to make a great first impression. So study these 10 strategies to enhance your interview IQ.

      • Learn How To Deal With Pay Cuts

        If you’re about to take a pay cut, find out how you can go about dealing with it and stay proactive about your salary.

    • WomenClick to Expand

      • Healthy Living In Your 40s

        Your guide to looking and feeling your best.

      • Manage Stress, Find Balance

        The idea of living a balanced life may seem like an oxymoron. Yet working toward balance and self-care is key to feeling in control and more joyful at home and work.

      • Weight & Exercise: The Right Mix

        Being healthy is related to how well you take care of yourself. But it’s never too late! A woman can learn new, healthy habits at any age.

    • InsuranceClick to Expand

      • Auto Insurance Quotes

        Simply enter your zip code and get great deals on your car insurance from the top companies. Click here and start saving today!

      • Health Insurance Quotes

        No matter where you live, you shouldn’t have to pay too much for health insurance. Your zip code is all you need and we’ll do the rest to find you great insurance rates.

      • Home Insurance Quotes

        Your home is your most valuable asset. So make sure you have coverage that fits your needs and doesn’t break the bank.

      • Life Insurance Quotes

        What would happen to your family if you were suddenly gone? Don’t leave their future to chance and find top quality life insurance before it’s too late.

      • Business Insurance Quotes

        Don’t take chances when it comes to insuring your business. To get the best rates from top companies in your area just enter your zip code.

    • HomesClick to Expand

    Sponsored Links