Space Shuttle Atlantis Suffers Problems

Water was discovered in the foam on the space shuttle Atlantis‘ external fuel tank during a routine repair today. The droplets were small – “the size of a tear,” according to NASA spokesperson Tracy Young – but could indicate more serious problems.

The tank was at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans last year during Hurricane Katrina. NASA engineers suspect the water might have gotten in during the storm, although they do not yet know how much water might be inside. To determine this, the engineers will take infrared scans of the foam insulation.

The current plan is to drill a hole in the foam and drain any water that is discovered. Hopefully, the tank – scheduled to be joined to the Atlantis shuttle in August – will not be delayed.

Atlantis is a “back-up” shuttle, to be used in rescuing the crew of the International Space Station should the shuttle Discovery be damaged during launch. The Discovery is scheduled for a 1 July launch.

Via New Scientist

Water was discovered in the foam on the space shuttle Atlantis‘ external fuel tank during a routine repair today. The droplets were small – “the size of a tear,” according to NASA spokesperson Tracy Young – but could indicate more serious problems.

The tank was at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans last year during Hurricane Katrina. NASA engineers suspect the water might have gotten in during the storm, although they do not yet know how much water might be inside. To determine this, the engineers will take infrared scans of the foam insulation.

The current plan is to drill a hole in the foam and drain any water that is discovered. Hopefully, the tank – scheduled to be joined to the Atlantis shuttle in August – will not be delayed.

Atlantis is a “back-up” shuttle, to be used in rescuing the crew of the International Space Station should the shuttle Discovery be damaged during launch. The Discovery is scheduled for a 1 July launch.

Via New Scientist