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Author
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Topic: Night launches: NASA's post-RTF policy
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GoesTo11
Member Posts: 1309
From: Denver, CO
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted 03-10-2008 12:41 PM
   
I know this isn't exactly a timely question, but I've been wondering...STS-116 launched at 8:47:35 PM EST. I was under the impression that NASA's post-Columbia Return To Flight protocols forbid night launches b/c darkness hampers visual inspection of the vehicle during ascent. Was this policy changed, or was I mistaken from the get-go? Just curious. Thanks! Kevin |
NavySpaceFan
Member Posts: 655
From: Norfolk, VA
Registered: May 2007
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posted 03-10-2008 01:08 PM
No night launches was the policy, but the foam-loss abatement measures taken for the external tank were effective enough to allow night launches again. STS-123 will be interesting since the umbilical wells will have photo flash gear to get better picks of the tank after separation. |
GoesTo11
Member Posts: 1309
From: Denver, CO
Registered: Jun 2004
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posted 03-10-2008 04:33 PM
Thanks! Funny thing is, when I posted the above, I didn't know that STS-123 was scheduled to launch at about 12:30 AM MST. So I guess my timing was good after all!Kevin |
Ben
Member Posts: 1896
From: Cape Canaveral, FL
Registered: May 2000
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posted 03-10-2008 04:40 PM
NASA's plan with returning to flight was to have two foam-loss-free launches and then look at lifting the night ban. After 114 shed foam, they imposed again an additional two-launch rule. However, even after one more flight had passed, NASA considered allowing that second flight (115) to lift off at night. It wound up lifting off on a day when that did not matter, but NASA was close to allowing it had 115 been delayed a couple more weeks. The ban was lifted following 115. |
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