Tuesday, 19 October 2010

STS-133 Update -Flange Pressure Check on Tap Today for Discovery

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 09:57:55 -0500


Technician's on Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, are working to stop a small leak found in a propellant line for shuttle Discovery’s orbital maneuvering system engines. Last night, crews confirmed the six bolts around the suspect flange were completely tightened. During the process, the leak stopped.‪

Crews will perform a pressure check today to ensure there is no further leaking. Engineers are meeting to assess the issue‪.

The leak was found at a flange located at the interface where two propellant lines meet in the shuttle's aft compartment. The line carries a propellant called monomethyl hydrazine, one of two chemicals used to ignite the 6,000-pound thrust engines seen on either side of the shuttle's tail above the three main engines.

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