Does the deletion of the SRB foam mean they'll be abandoned to sink?
Quote from: Nomadd on 08/05/2009 12:52 am Does the deletion of the SRB foam mean they'll be abandoned to sink?It wasn't stated in the article, but in an earlier version it was stated that SRB parachutes and cameras would also be removed. In this case, the SRBs would be spinning and free falling all the way down. I doubt there will be anything left worth picking up once they hit the ocean.
Where would the PLM be berthed, and would tying up a CBM position be a problem?
"STS-133 will also see a configuration change to its Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs). In order to eliminate as much weight as possible to maximize cargo upmass on this mission, the STS-133 SRBs will have their water impact structures and foam, cosmetic paint, water impact foam, and Reusable Solid Rocket Motor Nozzle Severance System removed."Well looks like we will have ugly disposable boosters for this mission, in the vain interest of aesthetics I dope this is not the last to fly, would be terrible to have an ugly duckling for the last flight.....
I wasn't suggesting any side of Node-2 (Harmony) as an attachment point for the PLM. Rather, I think that an attachment to Node-3 zenith or forward would work, given the stated issues regarding clearance.
Quote from: Alpha Control on 08/05/2009 04:23 amI wasn't suggesting any side of Node-2 (Harmony) as an attachment point for the PLM. Rather, I think that an attachment to Node-3 zenith or forward would work, given the stated issues regarding clearance. If Node-3, as apparently planned right now, is located at starboard of Node-1, all 4 open docking ports of Node-3 will have clearing issues (truss, radiators etc.). Node-3 nadir is already occupied by Cupola. If you relocated cupola to another position (not sure if that's possible from a clearance issue), you might be able to get the PLM attached to Node-3 nadir.In any event, I believe what was been talked about is Node 2 zenith or nadir (with nadir being a problem due to it being the HTV/COTS-vehicle docking port and Node 2 zenith being exposed the most to MMOD.
What about Node-1 nadir? It's not occupied and, as far as I'm aware, unobstructed.