Technical problems continue to plague the space shuttle Atlantis, which was supposed to have launched on Sunday, December 9th. The engine cutoff sensor system issued some false readings, prompting the delay of the launch until early in 2008 or, as they say in NASAspeak, “launch no earlier than January 2nd.” The liftoff was to have taken place at NASA‘s Kennedy Space Center. The goal of the Atlantis’ 11-day mission was to install and activate the European Space Agency‘s Columbus laboratory.
Early on Sunday, two liquid hydrogen sensors inside the liquid hydrogen section of the Atlantis’ external fuel tank issued false readings while the spacecraft was being fueled. In order to “go”, all four of the engine cutoff sensors (ECO) have to function properly in order for the Launch Commit Criteria to be fulfilled. This sensor system protects the shuttle’s main engines by triggering fuel shut down if it runs unexpectedly low. The STS-122 crew will travel back to Houston.
- Skip to primary navigation
- Skip to main content
- Skip to primary sidebar
- Skip to secondary sidebar
- Skip to footer
Satellite Industry Intelligence Since 1983
Footer
Satnews is a leading provider of satellite news, events, publications, research and other satellite industry information in both commercial and military enterprises worldwide.