Valve replacement solves Endeavour leak – tight timeline

by Chris Bergin

United Space Alliance engineers conducted three successful leak checks on Endeavour overnight, showing the replacement Positive Pressure cabin Relief Valve (PPRV B) from Atlantis has solved the issue.

A review is being held on Friday to determine if there’s enough time remaining in the pre-countdown procedures to carry out a full module pressure decay check before heading into S0007 (Launch Countdown) procedures, with August 7 launch date on “the cutting edge”.

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Article:

A review is being held on Friday to determine if there’s enough time remaining in the pre-countdown procedures to carry out a full module pressure decay check before heading into S0007 (Launch Countdown) procedures, with August 7 launch date on ‘the cutting edge’.

Engineers are looking to conduct a full crew module and Spacehab leak check, scheduled for Saturday, although meetings will take place at noon today in order to work on the rationale for the test, over the schedule needs of heading into S0007 operations.

‘All organizations/systems have been asked to review their current status, look at the scheduled events from here to S0007 Call To Stations, and, be prepared to identify any concerns/impacts to making the August 7th launch date at the 1200L meeting,’ noted a processing information memo.

‘We’re right on the cutting edge to making the 7th launch date. I wouldn’t be surprised, following our 1200L meeting, that they come forward and ask for relief on the full module decay checks.

‘We could gain around eight hours of time in the schedule, if the program accepts the data ECL has based on the decay checks last night, and, the data gathered over the weekend during their previous troubleshooting.’

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The leak check issue turnaround by USA engineers has been achieved in tandem with required pad processing, giving Endeavour every chance of making the August 7 launch date. The countdown is presently on schedule to start at 9pm local time on Saturday.

‘LOX/LH2 dewpoint and conditioning was successfully completed yesterday. S0071 Hyper/MPS Press/Closeouts operations picked up last night. Pressurization to flight mass is in work this morning and will continue through Saturday,’ added processing documentation.

‘S1287 Orbiter aft closeout continues. Aft confidence test is scheduled for Saturday. MVAK ops and airlock closeout are scheduled for Saturday. Launch Countdown Preps continue through Saturday. Launch Countdown Call-to-Stations is scheduled for 2030 hrs on Saturday night.’

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