Post by Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe on Jul 25, 2005 9:23:10 GMT -6
Discovery Launch To Go Ahead Even If Fuel Gauge Malfunctions: NASA
Cape Canaveral (AFP) Jul 24, 2005
Discovery's launch could go ahead even if a fuel gauge malfunction reoccurs, but weather might delay the liftoff, NASA said Sunday, two days ahead of the first space shuttle flight since the 2003 Columbia disaster.
NASA ran more than 160 tests but has failed to explain what exactly caused the failure of one of the four hydrogen level sensors that prompted the last-minute cancelation of the July 13 launch.
The space agency hopes to detect the root of the problem during last-minute testing while the shuttle's massive external tank is being filled.
If the problem reoccurs on the same sensor or another similar one and engineers have a clear understanding of the problem, the launch would go ahead as planned, said Wayne Hale, deputy manager of the space shuttle program. But he insisted that if any other low fuel level sensors malfunctioned, the launch would be called off.
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This isn't a vacation trip to where you can tap the gauge and hope for the best.