Failed Sensor Delays Shuttle Launching”

Current Event #4

Soc 202-02

Usman Baig


The launching of Atlantis space shuttle was canceled due to failure in its sensor in fuel tank. It is the second time it’s being delayed after lightning strike and a problem with fuel cell. NASA discovered the problem after astronauts were on board and ready to launch. If it can’t go on Saturday Atlantis space shuttle will have to wait for at least two weeks to keep away from Russian space shuttle. The sensor which is located in the hydrogen fuel tank is design to make sure that engines run for acceptable amount of time after shuttle is lift off. NASA could have decided to launch the shuttle with one sensor but instead they chose not to because safety of the astronauts is main concern. On Wednesday NASA postponed attempt to launch the shuttle due to a problem with shuttle’s three fuel cells which produce electricity. NASA official decided to replace the pump so goals of the mission can be achieved. Atlantis mission is to resume construction on the International Space Station. Construction of international space station was suspended after 2003 Columbia accident. Atlantis is carrying a bus-size part for the stations’ backbone which includes a new set of solar power arrays. Astronauts will have to make three difficult spacewalks to attach the part and deploy the solar arrays. NASA will have to make 16 shuttle missions to complete the assembly of the space station by 2010. I think it was a right thing to do to cancel the launching of Atlantis because it would create problems for the astronauts later on and could put their lives in danger. I think they should take more time to review the shuttle before launching and ensure everything is running properly. NASA is spending billions of dollars to complete the space station.



Citation: Warren E. Leary. “Failed Sensor Delays Shuttle Launching” The New York Times. September 08, 2006


http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/08/science/space/08spacecnd.html?ref=us