NASA Declares New Space Shuttle Engine ‘A-OK’
After ripping it apart for inspection, NASA has declared its new space shuttle engine “A-OK.”
Discovery blasted off with one of these new engines on July 13. The other two engines on Discovery were the old variety.
Otto Goetz, NASA’s shuttle engine deputy manager, said the new engine worked well during its debut. The newly designed high-pressure oxidizer pump contained ceramic instead of steel balls in the bearings; the ceramic balls looked perfect after the flight, he said.
“Everything is A-OK,” Goetz said. “In this program, the best news is no news.”
The first flight with all three new engines will be by Endeavour next spring.
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