Download document

FD06 MMT Summary

The MMT met to review mission progress, orbiter status, SSME final reports, and TPS evaluation status. As expected, the ROMS blanket and the window tile damage sites were cleared for entry. Preliminary analysis data for the missing stinger tile is still looking good and the complete analysis is expected at tomorrow's MMT. As stated in the FD04 MMT Summary, the TPS is still considered "Degraded" until all of the analysis has been reviewed by the MMT, but the TPS is acceptable for entry with no impacts to entry operations. The Columbus Module ingress was complete prior to the MMT, and the entire MMT was thrilled with the successful addition and incorporation of this European contribution to the ISS.

Ascent Imagery - All ascent imagery has now been collected and reviewed. Based on the SRB video, the imagery team has identified several additional potential impacts to the bottom of the orbiter. All of these sites have been cleared for entry based on the RPM pictures.

Damage Assessment Team - The DAT has cleared 16 of the 17 thermal blanket/tile items. A report of each of the cleared damaged sites was presented today. The ROMS blanket was fully characterized by the Focused Inspection and fully analyzed by the DAT. There is no flow or heating predicted beneath the protruding blanket. A conservative analysis shows the maximum temperatures are below structural thermal limits with margin (Figure 1). Aerodynamically, there is no concern with the blanket coming out further, nor is there a concern with debris liberation during entry. The predicted load at the end of entry heating (Mach 4.5) is 0.5 pounds. The predicted load at Mach 1 is 2.4 pounds. Using a test article, 11 pounds of force was required to move the blanket enough to lift the blanket above the surrounding area.

EVA DCM status - The DCM problem experienced during yesterday's EVA was reproduced on the ground after many attempts. The most likely cause is a software timing issue associated with the airlock depress rate and the ECWS displays. The power cycle from SCU to Battery was demonstrated to clear the anomaly.

SSME Report - The final SSME report was presented to the MMT. The SSMEs all performed nominally and had no anomalies. The redesigned HPOTP knife edge seal performed nominally.

News from Commercial Space Watch