X-raying the Shuttle: Searching for Hidden Cracks in Spacecraft Armor
In short: Watch how NASA technicians use high-tech radiography to peer through the external fuel tank of the space shuttle Discovery. This process is vital for ensuring the vehicle's structural integrity before its next journey to the International Space Station.
Following a launch attempt on November 5, engineers identified cracks on two 21-foot-long, U-shaped aluminum brackets known as stringers. To assess the damage, technicians performed imaging scans on December 29, focusing on the intertank section below the foam insulation.
The process utilizes computed radiography scanners, which function similarly to X-ray machines by transmitting radiation through the tank's metal skin and foam. These scans allow engineers to verify repairs and determine the root cause of the structural issues before the STS-133 mission, scheduled for no earlier than February 3.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: More Scans Taken of Shuttle Discovery's External Tank for The STS-133 Mission
- Also: NASA — Discovery Readies for STS-133 - NASA
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