2007-08-15 00:01:49 · 8 answers · asked by freshnfuzzy 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
Yeah, I'm kinda wondering about that one myself. NASA has said that they have a heat-shield repair kit -- NOAX -- on board for just this kind of situation, so why is there even a question?
Sure, someone could get hurt or die on the EVA, but I'd say the probability and severity of that are vanishingly small, making the risk rating very low, compared to the consequences of a catastrophic failure of the tile during re-entry.
After the Columbia disaster, I'd have thought that doing the EVA for the repair would be a no-brainer. Fix the hole, and there's no worries, mate. Or leave the hole unfilled, and pray the whole trip down. I guess it would just be cheaper to hope that the hole doesn't pose a problem than to just "git 'er done".
2007-08-15 03:25:02 · answer #1 · answered by Dave_Stark 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are not repairing the shuttle because it is a minor flaw in one heat shield tile and tests and simulations suggest that this will not cause a problem on re-entry. They're not shrugging their shoulders, and they're not making decisions without the input of the crew. Just calm down a bit. At least they're actually investigating the problem and working on it. A repair is risky, and if the tile will still work there's no reason to risk it.
[edited to add]
A couple of people have talked about 'hope' that the damage doesn't cause a problem. Which part of NASA's statement that people on the ground are conductiing tests to find out if it will cause a problem or not are you not understanding? They're not 'hoping', they are testing and checking the risk.
2007-08-15 01:43:40 · answer #2 · answered by Jason T 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The glue factory that was under contract by NASA was closed because of illegal alien worker documentation. And if I am not mistaken, the "ERECTOR SET" division of assembly is now under investigation for sexual orientation hiring practices. Once all this is worked out, I am sure that ACME can step in and take over the whole shuttle revitalization program.It will be cheaper because they will only need Wile E. Coyote to pilot the thing, not Seven astronauts.
2007-08-18 22:24:11 · answer #3 · answered by Felipaa' 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I suppose you could be right. One would think they'd be twice shy, particularly under the glare of the media spotlight.
This article at space.com suggests that a repair is still a possibility depending on further tests and simulations. Current efforts seem to suggest the underlying airframe at the ding will reach 325 F with the implication being that this is not hot enough to cause a problem.
http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/070814_sts118_tilerepair_updt.html
2007-08-15 00:46:59 · answer #4 · answered by Peter T 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Their repair methods or limited. It is possible they simply don't have what it takes to repair that type of flaw.
NASA has three choices, keep the ship up and send another. Repair it or hope for the best.
A lot of pressue is on NASA, their contractors, their experts. There are also astronaught advisors.
2007-08-15 02:42:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its all about risk.
There is a very real chance that a person going outside the shuttle to repair it will die doing so. There is a very real chance that the damage will be perfectly safe.
Now, do you kill someone to do an unnecessary repair?
Or kill someone by not doing a necessary repair?
Or do nothing and kill noone?
Its your turn to choose.
2007-08-15 01:15:55 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
They know what they are doing, there is no way a chance would be taken if the lives of those astronauts were in more danger than what they always face.
2007-08-18 13:46:30 · answer #7 · answered by johnandeileen2000 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Today's Nasa would rather cross their fingers and wear a rabbit's foot- its cheaper. Denial is job one.
2007-08-15 00:49:56 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋