Really Rocket Science

Maybe tomorrow? The AP reports:

NASA postponed the launch of space shuttle Atlantis by another day after discovering a problem with a fuel cell early Wednesday.

The fueling process had yet to start when one of three cells that provide electricity to Atlantis malfunctioned. The space agency planned to further examine the problem, and if possible try to launch at 12:03 p.m. EDT Thursday.

"The launch rules say you need to have three good, operating fuel cells," said NASA spokesman Bruce Buckingham. "We’re going to see if it’s something that’s a real problem or whether it’s something we can rectify."

The problem was discovered shortly before an overnight meeting to decide whether to start pumping the shuttle’s fuel tank with supercold liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen. When the shuttle’s fuel cells were powered up, a low voltage reading came from one of the units, and the other two spiked up to compensate.

The Space Shuttle Atlantis is set to (finally) lift off tomorrow, Tuesday, September 6th at 12:29 pm EDT. NASA’s launch blog should begin coverage of the event around 6:30 am tomorrow.

Weather has twice delayed the start of STS-115. Lightning at Kennedy Space Center on August 25th delayed the previously-scheduled launch, and then the Atlantis crew had to wait out the passing of Tropical Storm Ernesto.

The launch of STS-115 will make history when it carries Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, the first Ukrainian-American into space. (Be sure to check out her biography or this interview.)

As always, we’ll bring you updates on the launch of the Shuttle as the countdown begins.

While its use of the global positioning system or SatCom may be its only direct tie to satellites, the new Twin M hull vessel “Stiletto” was too cool to avoid mention here on RRS. In addition to looking really cool, the craft offers new advances in watercraft design, it’s twin M hull allowing the craft, according to M Ship Company’s (it’s maker) website, "[recapture] the bow wave using its energy to create an air cushion for more efficient planing."

Navy SEALs are already using the technology according to a navy website:

"The Stiletto’s patented M-shaped hull provides a stable, yet fast, platform for mounting electronic surveillance equipment or weapons, or for conducting special operations. The hull design does not require foils or lifting devices to achieve a smooth ride at high speeds in rough conditions. Its shallow draft means the M80 Stiletto can operate in riverine environments and potentially allows for beach landings."

Although tangential to a lot of what we cover on RRS, the Sitletto really shows the interesting work that is being done around the country in engineering. Awesome stuff!