STS-122: Reviewing the FRR

• STS-122: Reviewing the FRR by Chris Bergin on 14 Nov, 2007 07:58
• After acquiring all the FRR presentations (17 of them) on L2 from November 13's Shuttle FRR, I'm going to review as much as possible into articles for non L2 users. Problem is, this FRR is by way the most interesting I've seen.
  
  So the first article is from just one presentation. Will try and do as much as possible with the others as we go.
  
  Article 1:
  STS-122's FRR - Atlantis flight to debut newly improved boosters:
  http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5284
  
  Article 2:
  STS-122 spacewalkers gain extra protection - FRR focus on EVAs
  http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/content/?cid=5295
  
  Sample of what presentations we have on L2:

  ---

  
• #1 by Launch Fan on 14 Nov, 2007 15:16
• Super impressive article Chris. Suppose the lack of responses so far is because most people are only interested in one paragraph negative articles, but I wouldn't of expected it from this site's readership. Safety improvements not all that interesting now? Personally I find it really interesting.
• #2 by Chris Bergin on 14 Nov, 2007 16:05
• The article is being read very heavily, so there's interest. (Thanks by the way).
• #3 by Rob in KC on 14 Nov, 2007 18:16
• Enjoyable read. Props to ATK for the improvements!
• #4 by generic_handle_42 on 14 Nov, 2007 18:30
• It's nice to see that ATK continues to improve the boosters.  I mean, with just over 10 flights remaining (give or take), they could just as easily have stuck with the tried and true design.  While it's true the booster technology will be around for Constellation (and no doubt these improvements help in that area), it's good to see that the shuttle boosters still get upgrades as needed.
• #5 by ShuttleDiscovery on 14 Nov, 2007 18:43
• Great article Chris. New things/ upgrades flying on any mission is interesting!
• #6 by Andy L on 14 Nov, 2007 21:39
• Very impressed by the continued efforts to increase safety and performances, regardless of us soon heading into the dark days of post Shuttle.
• #7 by kimmern123 on 15 Nov, 2007 10:44
• Great article, Chris. What's the reason for the development of new separation motors? Weren't the old ones good enough?
• #8 by Chandonn on 15 Nov, 2007 11:42
• Quote

  kimmern123 - 15/11/2007  6:44 AM
  
  Great article, Chris. What's the reason for the development of new separation motors? Weren't the old ones good enough?

  
  Does it have something to do with the spray on the cabin windows during SRB separation perhaps?
• #9 by Chris Bergin on 15 Nov, 2007 15:05
• Quote

  Chandonn - 15/11/2007  12:42 PM
  
  

  Quote

  kimmern123 - 15/11/2007  6:44 AM
  
  Great article, Chris. What's the reason for the development of new separation motors? Weren't the old ones good enough?

  
  Does it have something to do with the spray on the cabin windows during SRB separation perhaps?

  
  I don't believe it was related to a previous problem. They've been looking into the change for a long time, with it becoming a modification/improvement, along with commonality of parts etc.
• #10 by Lee Jay on 15 Nov, 2007 15:17
• Am I remembering this wrong?  I thought the previous supplier went out of business.
• #11 by Super George on 16 Nov, 2007 03:08
• Will you be doing some more articles Chris?
• #12 by Chris Bergin on 20 Nov, 2007 19:13
• Quote

  Super George - 16/11/2007  4:08 AM
  
  Will you be doing some more articles Chris?

  
  Yep, although last week's PRCB was hugely interesting, so we're writing up some articles based on those presentations on L2 (one was last night on the RCC, and I'm doing one now on the SSME transition timeline to the great engine maker in the sky).
• #13 by Chris Bergin on 28 Nov, 2007 05:46
• Article 2 published (on the EVAs) - link in opening post.