[meteorite-list] MUSES-C Launch Postponed To May 2003

From: Ron Baalke <baalke_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 09:53:38 2004
Message-ID: <200212301847.KAA06494_at_zagami.jpl.nasa.gov>

http://www.isas.ac.jp/e/new/release/2002/10_02.html

MUSES-C Launch Postponed
ISAS News Release
December 24, 2002

MUSES-C has undergone a series of comprehensive performance tests toward
its launch scheduled at the end of 2002. Unfortunately, however, it had
to be postponed to a backup window set in May 2003. It all started with
the detection of gas leak from a pressure-regulating valve during an
airtight test of the orbit-attitude control propulsion system (RCS)
conducted in late April 2002. Our inspection showed that it was due to
an incorrect size O-ring that keeps the valve airtight. The broken ring
was promptly replaced by a proper-sized ring and the problem seemed solved.
However, when the material of the ring was examined by way of precaution,
it was found that the material used was different from the one specified in
the spec. Many other O-rings of the same type are used for the
pressure-regulating valves of MUSES-C and if their material differs from
the one in the spec, they may cause problems in the vapor tolerance of fuel
and oxidizer. Besides, the RCS is built by welding, which prevents us from
removing the valves for checking. Therefore, some other verification measures
such as a gas chromatographic non-destructive test were conducted, which took
several months before reaching an OK level and as a result, delayed the
launch of MUSES-C schedule at the end of 2002. With a strong support from
the Space Development and Utilization Division of Mext, an approval for the
launch in May was obtained from Japan Associated Fisheries, which was
reported to the Space Development Committee held on September 26. Though the
launch is delayed 6 months, there is no change in the schedule of arrival at
the asteroid and return to the Earth.
Received on Mon 30 Dec 2002 01:47:44 PM PST