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New Problem Could Ground Space Shuttle Fleet

Posted by Hemos on from the cracking-and-breaking dept.

Ender writes "As if the NASA folks at KSC did not have enough problems to deal with a the moment, (see previous /. article on the engine cracks and the following CNN article on the repairs) a NEW problem has sufaced in the Apollo Era transporter which vehiculates the Shuttles to the launch pads (crawler). They found many cracked bearings in the cylinders that lift the shuttle and its launch platform on the transporter. After this discovery they took a look at the other crawler and it too had quite numerous cracked bearings. No word from NASA yet but these findings may further delay the next Space Shuttle launch which is currently scheduled for NET (no earlier than) Sept 28th and by the same token slow down the assembly of the ISS. Complete articles at SpaceFlightNow and United Press International."

4 of 180 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Space Talk by Ig0r · · Score: 3, Informative

    It helps to have a way for astronauts to not completely atrophy their bodies on long-duration spaceflights. Several methods are being tested now.

    If a crew were sent on a 'short' trip to Mars without any way to keep muscle and bone loss to a minimum, it's likely that they wouldn't be able to tolerate even Mars' reduced (compared to Earth) gravity.

    --
    Soma: because a gramme is better than a damn.
  2. Re:Why the incline by Detritus · · Score: 4, Informative

    There are big flame pits and channels under the launch platform that allow the hot exhaust gases from the main engines and solid rocket boosters to escape the immediate area of the launch platform. The Florida coast is not a good place to dig big holes in the ground, unless you are trying to create a swamp.

    --
    Mea navis aericumbens anguillis abundat
  3. Re:Space Talk by willpost · · Score: 2, Informative

    The International Space Station represents a global partnership of 16 nations. The goal of the Operations phase of the ISS program is to perform world-class research that benefits the citizens and develops the economies of the member countries. The research includes living in space.

    ISS Experiments
    Less than 1 percent of the federal budget goes to NASA

    IMAX ISS Site

  4. Re:Delays to ISS by Buran · · Score: 3, Informative

    Buran has been destroyed and will never fly again.

    --
    i am a soviet space shuttle