wmartin@brl-tgr.ARPA (Will Martin ) (01/03/86)
I've been wondering just what determines the length of a delay or postponement of a shuttle launch when some defect is discovered while the assembled craft is already fueled and there is only a short time remaining in the countdown. Sometimes things are slipped a few hours, other times until the next day, and then there will be abrupt jumps to much longer delays, like several weeks. Could someone in the know post a short summary of what sorts of delays what kinds of discovered problems will cause? Something like: Shuttle computer software bug ..... 1 day for patching & reloading SRB Engine Safety-related failure ... 3 weeks for return to vehicle assembly building & replacement and so on... Also, how long does removing the liquid fuel & oxidizers take? How long can the fueled shuttle sit on the pad while still fueled-up? Thanks! Will Martin UUCP/USENET: seismo!brl-bmd!wmartin or ARPA/MILNET: wmartin@almsa-1.ARPA