Thu, Mar 18, 2010
Results Positive On Helium Iso Valve Test
On Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida,
technicians completed a test Wednesday to pressurize space shuttle
Discovery's Right Reaction Control System's helium tank to verify
the overall health of the regulators downstream of the helium
isolation valves. Preliminary data shows positive results for the
test. Crews then began preparing Discovery for further testing on
the system.
The testing was initiated because of an issue that occurred over
the weekend while Discovery's aft fuel propellant tanks were being
vented in preparation for fuel loading. The Right Reaction Control
System, or RRCS, fuel helium tank pressure unexpectedly decreased
in unison with the RRCS fuel propellant tank when the fuel tank was
vented. This indicates that at least one of the two parallel helium
isolation valves is leaking or is remaining in the open position
when it is expected to be closed.
The two helium system regulators, a primary and a secondary,
will be tested to verify they are functioning correctly. The
regulators are "downstream" of the isolation valves, and help to
maintain helium pressure to the fuel tank. Knowing whether the
regulators are operating correctly is a key factor for managers who
must decide whether to launch with the errant condition of the
isolation valves. The test is expected to occur late this week once
a ground support equipment test panel has been calibrated. The
helium system will be brought to flight pressure and engineers
monitoring the panel will ascertain whether the regulators function
properly.
Also this week, managers are targeting Friday to move
Discovery's payload to Launch Pad 39A, starting at 0001 EDT.
There still are a few days of contingency left in the schedule
to make the targeted launch date of April 5.
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