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Author
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Topic: STS-41G: Turf walk after landing on Challenger
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chappy Member Posts: 231 From: Cardiff, S. Wales, UK Registered: Apr 2006
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posted 11-06-2012 05:09 PM
Does anyone know why do the crew of STS-41G walked on the turf on the runaway when they departed the orbiter Challenger? |
Headshot Member Posts: 864 From: Vancouver, WA, USA Registered: Feb 2012
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posted 11-06-2012 05:33 PM
I do not know for certain, but there were two notable anomolies that could explain it.1. The crew wished to view the right-hand OAMS pod, which was damaged by the heat of re-entry. This was caused by some reusable Nomex insulating material that came loose during ascent. The piece was about 8 inch by 36 inches. There was some structural damage to the pod. 2. The crew wanted to distance themselves from Challenger when the right hand landing gear started to give off smoke shortly after landing. Apparently some of the powder generated when the gear's carbon composite components rubbed against each other started smoldering. |
Jay Chladek Member Posts: 2272 From: Bellevue, NE, USA Registered: Aug 2007
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posted 11-07-2012 01:42 AM
Considering elements of the early shuttle brakes were made of beryllium and powdered beryllium can cause problems if inhaled, it wouldn't surprise me at all if they gave the gear a wide berth partly because of that.According to an old shuttle engineer I talked to once, the old beryllium based brake system had more problems than it was worth and the vast majority of them were cured when they went to more traditional materials for the brakes and their pads. They were a little heavier, but they got the job done. |
heng44 Member Posts: 3387 From: Netherlands Registered: Nov 2001
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posted 11-07-2012 03:13 AM
quote: Originally posted by chappy: Does anyone know why do the crew of STS-41G walked on the turf on the runaway when they departed the orbiter Challenger?
I believe that had something to do with the running gag about Crippen landing at KSC, which was planned on STS-7 and STS-41C but didn't happen then. There were jokes every time about the beer being cold, but in the wrong location. I can imagine the turf had something to do with the landing location.
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