LIVE: STS-124 Flight Day 14 - Deorbit preparation

[CessnaDriver]

How quickly would a chunk of ice that size sublimate to gas?
If it is fast, couldn't ground radar observe this process?

[Orbiter]

From what I'm hearing, its not Ice. Its part of the speed brakes, from what i am hearing on NASA TV.

[collectSPACE]

Crew photography of the bump and debris (see here for enlargements):

[juleshow]

From what I'm hearing, its not Ice. Its part of the speed brakes, from what i am hearing on NASA TV.

I think you're referring to the "protrusion" off the side of the vertical stabilizer, and not the "ice"/object liberated this AM after the RCS hot fire test.

They are discussing both on NASA-TV.

[Chris Bergin]

From what I'm hearing, its not Ice. Its part of the speed brakes, from what i am hearing on NASA TV.

I think you're referring to the "protrusion" off the side of the vertical stabilizer, and not the "ice"/object liberated this AM after the RCS hot fire test.

Yep, two separate items. Look at Robert's images (nice, by the way!). The bump is on the tail. The debris was picked up behind the orbiter.

[Moonbase_Alphan]

here's the clearest image I've seen after looking through all the crew photos. severely cropped down to show just the object.

[Ford Mustang]

here's the clearest image I've seen after looking through all the crew photos. severely cropped down to show just the object.

Very good image.  Thanks for it!

[Orbiter]

From what I'm hearing, its not Ice. Its part of the speed brakes, from what i am hearing on NASA TV.

I think you're referring to the "protrusion" off the side of the vertical stabilizer, and not the "ice"/object liberated this AM after the RCS hot fire test.

Yep, two separate items. Look at Robert's images (nice, by the way!). The bump is on the tail. The debris was picked up behind the orbiter.

  I need my coffee, anyways, I don't see how these can be a problem for landing.

[maxx]

on the flying object,
MCC: looks like a clip from inside the speed brake - analysis continue

[Ford Mustang]

Video will be replayed at the top of the hour.  I'll record it and upload to this thread.

[Chris Bergin]

So it's down to one of two things. A thermal clip (or seal) from the RSB (no concern for re-entry), or Ice. Either ways, not a concern for re-entry on that item.

[Ford Mustang]

Three thermal clips behind the speed brake.  Not a critical item for re-entry.  -- PAO

[Ford Mustang]

Perfect performance on the FCS/RCS tests.

[Ford Mustang]

Here's the very short debris video:

[Ford Mustang]

And another image of the RSB protrusion:

[yweleung]

Here's the very short debris video:

thanks a ton Ford Mustang

it does look like some metal object from the way it reflects sunlight, no?

[Ford Mustang]

Here's the very short debris video:

thanks a ton Ford Mustang

it does look like some metal object from the way it reflects sunlight, no?

It does, yes, but that could also be ice.  Imagery analysis teams are evaluating it, though.

[DMeader]

As it tumbles in the right orientation, it seems to have two very flat opposite sides. Ice would probably be more uneven, no?

[Squid.erau]

I noticed the PDRS console was powered down earlier, but it is now up with the PDRS officer there.  Maybe just someone getting ready, in case the need to take a look at the RSB?

[Ford Mustang]

"We're confident that it won't be an impact to re-entry.  First of all, the bump you saw on the RSB is nominal, pre-flight imagery is the same, no issue.  The other issue that floated away is the Trailing Edge Split-Line Barrier.  The pictures you took were great.  No concern to re-entry.  The TESLB is for ascent heating only, not a factor for re-entry.  MMT going to meet here in the next few hours.  NO arm ops required, still pressing on for tomorrow morning" -- CAPCOM

"Weather looks good for the first opportunity tomorrow, light winds, high visibility." -- CAPCOM