I was wondering when/if NASA was ever going to address this, when I was watching the launch that day, I was getting concerened when I saw the plume having that happen so much on the flight, But no one seemed worried during accent, But I was wondering what was causing it. Great Article Chris.
I was wondering when/if NASA was ever going to address this, when I was watching the launch that day, I was getting concerened when I saw the plume having that happen so much on the flight, But no one seemed worried during accent, But I was wondering what was causing it. Great Article Chris.
Well done for seeing it. I don't remember seeing streaks, but now I do remember some people noticed it!
The article mentions, "The source of the streaks [...] may be found once Atlantis’ SSMEs undergo a detailed inspection later this month (July)."
It is a bit surprising that nothing can be learned from examination of the ascent imagery. Surely the color spectrum of the streaks indicates what type of material caused them?
I'd have to assume that if the color of the streak answered all their questions, they would have released that info. The fact that they hope that the source of the streaks might be found with the SSME inspection -- indicates to me that the streak footage didn't answer that question.
I'd have to assume that if the color of the streak answered all their questions, they would have released that info. The fact that they hope that the source of the streaks might be found with the SSME inspection -- indicates to me that the streak footage didn't answer that question.
Chris Bergin's article is great as usual, and of course his reputation is well known here and unimpeachable. NASA itself enjoys a superb reputation for openness, and for good reason. The Shuttle program in particular has been a model for how government-run programs can be operated safely and effectively with almost total process transparency.
Do the assurances mentioned in the article that the streaks pose no safety related concerns imply there is a known explanation? Without that explanation, and with safe operation being paramount, do the "out of family" number of streaks trigger a stand-down of the fleet?
do the "out of family" number of streaks trigger a stand-down of the fleet?
The fleet ALWAYS stands down until everything is cleared for launch. It is not the other way around.