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Second shuttle fuel tank arrives at the Cape NASA NEWS RELEASE Posted: March 15, 2005 NASA's second redesigned Space Shuttle External Tank, designated for use on Atlantis' Return to Flight mission STS-121, is now in place at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida.
In response to the Columbia Accident Investigation Board's recommendation, the new tank incorporates several safety improvements, including an improved bipod fitting that connects the tank to the orbiter. In addition, NASA's second redesigned tank has been outfitted with temperature sensors and accelerometers, used to measure vibration. These sensors will gather information about how the tank performs during flight. In the VAB, the tank will be raised this week from a horizontal to a vertical position, then lifted high into a storage cell, or "checkout cell," where it undergoes inspections of the mechanical, electrical and thermal protection systems. New processing activities resulting from redesign of the tank include inspection of the bipod heater and External Tank separation camera. When tank preparations are complete, it will be attached to Atlantis' Solid Rocket Boosters, on the Mobile Launch Platform. STS-121 is NASA's second Return to Flight mission, carrying a seven-member crew to the International Space Station during a launch planning window of July 12 through July 31. |
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The STS-114 return-to-flight space shuttle astronauts inspect Discovery's thermal tiles and wing leading edge panels during the Crew Equipment Interface Test activities at Kennedy Space Center. (2min 26sec file)
The astronauts don coveralls and go into space shuttle Discovery's payload bay for further examinations during the Crew Equipment Interface Test in the orbiter hangar. (1min 25sec file)
A long mission simulation is underway to rehearse the launch of space shuttle Discovery, the uncovering of impact damage and the decision-making process of the flight controllers and management team. (14min 31sec file)
After a two-day journey from Baikonur Cosmodrome, the Russian Progress 17P mission and International Space Station rendezvous in Earth orbit. Cameras on both craft provide scenes in this highlights movie. (4min 02sec file)
The Progress vehicle performs an automated flyaround of the International Space Station to align with the docking port. (3min 42sec file)
The Russian Progress M-52 resupply ship docks to the International Space Station as seen by the nose-mounted camera on the delivery freighter. (1min 30sec file)