yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (10/28/89)
RTQ -- COLUMBIA MAIN ENGINE NO. 2 GIMBALING INCIDENT
UPDATE 2 p.m. 10/27/89
On Tuesday night, Oct. 24, Columbia's main engines were gimbaled
to allow the installation of work platforms used for heat shield
installation. Engine No. 2 was inadvertently gimbaled several
degrees in yaw beyond the design specification. The norm is no
greater than 10.5 degrees. Engineers are evaluating the condition
of the ducts to ensure the ducts were not overstressed during the
movement. At present, only three ducts are requiring closer
analysis than the preliminary measurements performed earlier this
week. These three ducts are the gaseous oxygen pressure duct,
the low pressure fuel turbine discharge duct and fuel bleed line.
An assessment of the schedule impact, if any, that would result
from changing any of the ducts is under review.
Source: Bob Sieck, KSC Launch Director
Cleared by : Sarah Keegan, Code M
Prepared by: Pat Phillips, KSC PA-PIB