Posts Tagged ‘SSME’
SLS SMAT: The Mini-Me version of the monster rocket
The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is constructing a scaled version of the Space Launch System (SLS), ahead of test firing it later this year. Known as the…
SLS Program pressing forward with engine heat shield design change
The Space Launch System (SLS) heat shields around its RS-25 engines will not follow the heritage of the Space Shuttle Program (SSP), following a decision to move away…
Atlantis readied for her trip to the VAB – OPF-1 for transition
Atlantis is closing in on the end of her Transition and Retirement (T&R) processing, following the installation of her three Replica Shuttle Main Engines (RSMEs). Atlantis is scheduled…
SSME family prepare for SLS core stage role following Shuttle success
NASA’s 15 Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs) are being transported to the Stennis Space Center (SSC), as they transition towards their future role with the Space Launch System…
Discovery receives her replica main engines ahead of final journey
The flagship of the shuttle orbiter fleet has received her three replica main engines, as Discovery prepares for next year’s ferry trip to her final resting place. The…
SLS trades lean towards opening with four RS-25s on the core stage
The Space Launch System (SLS) is undergoing final refinements – known as trades – on a preferred baseline for the opening flights, with documentation showing a preference to…
Shuttle orbiters may donate their entire MPS hardware to SLS
NASA’s three retired Space Shuttle orbiters are set to donate their entire Main Propulsion Systems (MPS) to the opening salvo of Space Launch System (SLS) Heavy Lift Launch…
Preliminary NASA plan shows Evolved SLS vehicle is 21 years away
A new schedule, created by NASA, has provided a “preliminary, budget restricted” manifest which places the first flight of the fully evolved Space Launch System (SLS) in the…
STS-135: Engineers retest MFV – ET-138 stringer inspections completed
Following its replacement on Atlantis’ SSME-3 (Space Shuttle Main Engine), the new Main Fuel Valve (MFV) underwent testing at Pad 39A - with a slight delay to its completion…
STS-135: Crew arrives for TCDT as MFV work begins on SSME-3
Multiple efforts are under way for Atlantis’ STS-135 launch preparations, as her four member crew arrived at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test…
Managers preparing for July 8 SLS announcement after SD HLV victory
Following an intense week of executive level reviews, a decision has been made on the configuration for NASA’s new launch vehicle. With NASA administrator Charlie Bolden agreeing to…
SLS configuration nears decision point – Two-phase approach rejected
A decision on the configuration of the Space Launch System (SLS) Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle (HLV) is just weeks away, as final evaluations take place into a “staged…
STS-134: SSMEs ready to fly – Stack cleared following more bad weather
Endeavour is happily moving through her pad flow, despite having to endure yet more bad weather over her launch pad – resulting in additional inspections for hail damage…
STS-133: Discovery closing in on launch day – MEC investigation review
Engineers have successfully cleared all of Discovery’s minor issues, allowing the veteran shuttle to head towards the upcoming key countdown milestones. While all eyes will be on her…
STS-133: MMT decide to press ahead with Thursday launch attempt
The Mission Management Team (MMT) evaluations into the anomalies on the redundant Main Engine Controller (MEC) on SSME-3 have concluded with the approval for the required flight rationale,…
STS-133: Launch delayed at least 24 hours due to Main Engine Controller issue
Discovery has been given another hurdle to negotiate ahead of her opening launch attempt, after an electrical issue was noted on the redundant Main Engine Controller (MEC) on…
STS-133: Discovery through PRSD load tasks – Stalwart SSMEs reviewed
Discovery is enjoying an issue-free S0007 (Launch Countdown), as engineers complete the loading of the orbiter’s Power Reactant Storage and Distribution (PRSD) system. The veteran orbiter remains on…
Replica engines recommended for retired orbiters – Flown SSMEs for HLV
All three orbiters are set to donate their Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs) to the Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle (HLV) program, following their final flights. A Program Requirements…
STS-133: Discovery’s replaced SSME heading into key torque checks
With Discovery’s three Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs) now reinstalled on the orbiter, engineers should know by Friday if they have solved the torquing issue with ME-1. The…
STS-133: Engine placement order altered for Discovery
Two of Discovery’s Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs) will be re-installed in opposite positions, following their removal to allow for work to take place on Main Engine #1…
