Posted on 08/03/2005 9:15:20 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
In this image released by NASA TV, a camera attached to the space shuttle Discovery's robotic arm shows astronaut Steve Robinson working on the removal of gap fillers on the underside of the Discovery, Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2005. This is the first time in spacewalking history that an astronaut has ventured under the belly of a space shuttle and performed repairs. (AP Photo/NASA TV)
The filler material protects the tiles from bumping against one another during launch, but isn't needed for landing because of the difference in the airflow.
I would be more than a little leery of pronouncing success, until they're safely on the ground, myself.
A helmet-mounted camera shows astronaut Steve Robinson removing a gap filler on the underside of the Space Shuttle Discovery on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2005. This is the first time in spacewalking history that an astronaut has ventured under the belly of a space shuttle and performed repairs. (AP Photo/NASA TV)
While I am glad that the repair was "successful" and I hope that the astronauts make it home safely, this grand display of ingenuity with limited resources reminds me of stories about how Cubans keep those old American cars from the 1950s running -- a great job under the circumstances, but why the circumstances?
Wow! A positive AP headline!
In this image released by NASA taken aboard the Shuttle Discovery, shows the modifications the crew has made to a hacksaw they will carry with them during the spacewalk Wednesday. The hacksaw could be used if needed to cut off a thermal protection system gap filler that is protruding from the underside of Discovery. (AP Photo/NASA)
Off to the NASA Museum with this gem. lol
" this grand display of ingenuity with limited resources reminds me of stories about how Cubans keep those old American cars from the 1950s running"
Bailing wire and duct tape.
The title is actually 2 titles for the same article on Yahooey. I merged them for search purposes. :)
Spacecraft reusability, which was a fine idea at the time. Rocket scientists are still learning what works and what doesn't. It is impossible to know a priori everything about what is suitable for outer space.
i agree. what is the point of our space program?
Bush finally gave an answer. Exploration and discovery, now with an emphasis on manned E and D.
Excuse me, but I don't want anything that's there to protect my life to be so easily pulled out.
"what is the point of our space program?"
Exploration and discovery while returning our astronauts safely to Earth.
When it should be blamed on NASA and the PC idiots that made the EPA/NASA change the foam on the tank that worked before with NO PROBLEMS..
Isn't it a bit early to call it a success? I'd prefer that they land safely 1st.
I think it's far past time to ground the shuttle fleet and replace it with a newer more robust vehicle. Those ships are over 20 years old, STS-1 launched in 1981.
Precisely.
"When it should be blamed on NASA and the PC idiots that made the EPA/NASA change the foam on the tank that worked before with NO PROBLEMS."
I think you have me confused with someone else... I agree that allowing environmental concerns to outstrip safety is counterproductive, to say the least. I've read before that the WTC might very well not have collapsed, had asbestos been used during construction for fireproofing.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.