Andrew
06-13-2008, 11:35 AM
MMT has concluded that the protrusion and debris seen floating away from Space Shuttle Discovery are of no concern for re-entry.
The protrusion noted earlier today by Commander Mark Kelly has been identified as part of the split line barrier with the speed break assembly. The item seen floating away from Discovery behind the aft starboard wing at the conclusion of the RCS hot fire test was determined to be one of three spring-like clips that are affixed to the aft of the rudder. These clips are used only for ascent heating to make sure that the speed break is protected by ascent and heating loads during the clime of the shuttle to orbit.
Neither issue is of concern to the MMT for re-entry and landing at the Kennedy Space Center tomorrow. Weather for the landing is favorable calling for only scattered clouds and acceptable winds.
The protrusion noted earlier today by Commander Mark Kelly has been identified as part of the split line barrier with the speed break assembly. The item seen floating away from Discovery behind the aft starboard wing at the conclusion of the RCS hot fire test was determined to be one of three spring-like clips that are affixed to the aft of the rudder. These clips are used only for ascent heating to make sure that the speed break is protected by ascent and heating loads during the clime of the shuttle to orbit.
Neither issue is of concern to the MMT for re-entry and landing at the Kennedy Space Center tomorrow. Weather for the landing is favorable calling for only scattered clouds and acceptable winds.