pdbain@wateng.UUCP (Peter Bain) (07/08/84)
I watched the news footage of the launch, and I could see flames around the plumbing for the engines. The news commentator indicated that heat detectors then activated the sprinkler system which I saw spraying up into the engines. -peter
dpw@bonnie.UUCP (David P. Williams) (07/09/84)
The best preflight and postflight coverage of Space Shuttle missions I've found is in Aviation Week and Space Technology. Craig Covault generally writes a multi-segment preview of a mission and tries out Shuttle hardware (MMU, CANADARM, Shuttle Simulator, etc.). The Discovery abort analysis points to potential fuel system over-pressures as the main point of concern. Hydrogen and Oxygen venting (and the resulting fire) were necessary to safe the combined engine and external tank fuel systems. The fire suppression water system was intended for use in such circumstances. At about 10 minutes after shutdown the water system was used to put out the first of several fires. Apparently there was less concern about the fires (low temperatures as far as Discovery was concerned) than preventing an explosion in the fuel system. Read Av. Week July 2 for details. David Williams (AT&T Bell Labs, Whippany NJ) whuxo!clyde!bonnie!dpw