Today's Shuttle Launch Has Been Scrubed

[Feralpeg]

The launch of Endeavor has been scrubbed due to a problem with two auxiliary heat units. The earliest it may launch is Sunday. In order to fix the problem, they may need to get under the shuttle. That would require draining the fuel.

Now, 750,000 people need to make their way home.

 

[DWGal210]

Oh no! Of course you want it to be safe - but those people aren't going to be happy. Oh well, what can you do?

 

[WDWisTheBest]

The launch of Endeavor has been scrubbed due to a problem with two auxiliary heat units. The earliest it may launch is Sunday. In order to fix the problem, they may need to get under the shuttle. That would require draining the fuel.

Now, 750,000 people need to make their way home.

Well, better safe than sorry. From the NASA website, "Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach has scrubbed today's STS-134 launch attempt because of an issue associated with Auxiliary Power Unit 1 heaters. There will be at least a 48-hour scrub turnaround while engineers assess the issue. "

Liquid hydrogen and oxygen tanks are always drained after a scrub.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

If anyone is interested in technical aspects of an APU:
Each auxiliary power unit consists of a fuel tank, a fuel feed system, a system controller, an exhaust duct, lube oil cooling system, and fuel/lube oil vents and drains. Redundant electrical heater systems and insulation thermally control the system above 45 F to prevent fuel from freezing and to maintain required lube oil viscosity. Insulation is used on components containing hydrazine, lube oil or water to minimize electrical heater power requirements and to keep high surface temperatures within safe limits on the turbine and exhaust ducts. "

There may have been a short in a Load Control Assembly which affected one of two heaters in APU 1, which could have led to hydraulic failure in control surfaces of the orbitor. Therefore, a minimum of a 72 hour turnaround is necessary to troubleshoot the problem, according to the launch director.

 

[Nayan]

Traffic is a nightmare over here on the coast . I had to go out earlier and it took much longer than a normal Friday. Hope everyone stays off the cell phones and pays attention to the road.

 

[Tess]

The launch of Endeavor has been scrubbed due to a problem with two auxiliary heat units. The earliest it may launch is Sunday. In order to fix the problem, they may need to get under the shuttle. That would require draining the fuel.

Now, 750,000 people need to make their way home.

And wasn't one of those the POTUS? Could create much more traffic congestion.

 

[Feralpeg]

And wasn't one of those the POTUS? Could create much more traffic congestion.

The President and his family did stop over after his tour of the tornado damage in Alabama. They just left in Air Force One a few minutes ago. The next stop being Miami.

I'm sure his visit didn't help make the traffic better. But, maybe people can say they saw Air Force One even though they didn't see the shuttle!

 

[Imzadi]

Isn't that always the risk, that a shuttle launch will be scrubbed because of weather or something technical?



A little FYI: NYC will be the proud recipient of one of the space shuttles. We are getting the Enterprise!!!

 

[WDWisTheBest]

Isn't that always the risk, that a shuttle launch will be scrubbed because of weather or something technical?

Yes, it is.