ISS Experiences Coolant Loop Problems
NASA Statement on Space Station Cooling Loop Shut Down
“Earlier Wednesday, the pump module on one of the space station’s two external cooling loops automatically shut down when it reached pre-set temperature limits. These loops circulate ammonia outside the station to keep both internal and external equipment cool. The flight control teams worked to get the cooling loop back up and running, and they suspect a flow control valve actually inside the pump module itself might not be functioning correctly.”
Teams Working Cooling System Issue; Station Crew Carries on With Research
“Mission managers have deferred the decision on whether to proceed with or postpone the launch of the Orbital Sciences’ Cygnus commercial cargo craft until more is known about the flow control valve issue. Cygnus is currently scheduled to launch Dec. 18 from Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia and rendezvous with the station on Dec. 21.”
I wonder if this is the same pump module they replaced back in 2010?
Could be they’re about to need an external cargo on the next Dragon flight in February!
I hope this won’t be used as a pretext by politicians to shutter the program.
This is the same cooling loop that failed and had its pump replaced. There are 3 more spares on board the truss that were brought up prior to the shuttle being terminated.
While the system is fault tolerant with reduced capacity it is surprising that there isn’t true redundancy where there is a spare pump plumbed and connected to both the A and B coolant loops with controls to valves to select which one would be substituted.
Guess $100 Billion doesn’t buy much these days.
Clearly, our technology is ready for a hail mary mission to Mars.
That’s one of the reasons to have the ISS a bit longer – to learn just what we need to think of when we design a Mars transfer vehicle.
Looks like at least two EVA’s to replace the pump module again. Merry Xmas Exp. 38!