STS-122 mission slipped to no earlier than January 10, 2008

William Atkins
Friday, 14 December 2007 20:07

Science - Space

The next mission of the space shuttle fleet, STS-122 with Atlantis, has been postponed to a date no earlier than January 10, 2008, to give more time to investigate sensor problems and to provide more time for mission employees to enjoy the holidays.         

The mission has been delayed just over a month, with its initial launch date being December 6, 2007. However, due to a series of engine cutoff sensor (ECO) problems, the launch was postponed on several occasions.

The ECOs are part of a backup system that monitor the level of liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen propellant inside tanks within the external tank (ET). The propellant powers the orbiter’s three main engines (the Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs)). The primary system of sensors and timers are normally used to monitor the hydrogen and oxygen levels, but the backup system is used (as the name suggests) in case the primary system fails.

The primary and backup systems are very important so that the main engines do not stay on too long. Active engines without sufficient propellant could overheat and eventually explode.

This latest delay was caused to give NASA engineers more time to investigate the problem with the ECO gauges and to hopefully find a resolution to it. The eight-day delay will also give NASA personnel directly involved in the mission come much needed time off during the holiday season.

Tuesday, December 18, 2007 will be the date of the next test of the external tank, where the sensors are located.

Atlantis and the STS-122 mission astronauts are now scheduled to launch no earlier than 2:26:10 a.m. EST on January 10, 2008.

STS-122 is the 24th mission of the space shuttle fleet to the International Space Station and the 121st space shuttle mission in total. The astronauts on this mission will deliver and install the European Space Agency's Columbus scientific laboratory to the space station.