[Star Trek Viewer]

One of two thrusters needed to control the Endeavour Space Shuttle after its de-orbit burn has failed in testing, NASA reports.

The space agency states that this will not be an issue for landing.

See: http://www.informationweek.com/news/...leID=218900159

Update:

NASA discovered the issue today during a pre-landing test of Endeavour's Reaction Control System steering thrusters. The problematic front thrusters, which help control Endeavour after the deorbit burn, failed during testing, NASA said.

Bill Jeffs, a NASA spokesman, said the failed thruster simply won't be used during Friday's scheduled re-entry and landing. "They'll be able to land without it," he said. "The flight control system is in great shape."

According to NASA, the shuttle crew today also tested Endeavour's aerodynamic control surfaces that will be used once the shuttle enters the Earth's atmosphere. That system operated as expected.

See: http://news.idg.no/cw/art.cfm?id=CD8...C2893C50F743F4

[Saquist]

Thruster?

Do you mean OMS burn?
That's not an issue. The single OMS can fire as long as necessary to de-orbit.

[Star Trek Viewer]

Originally Posted by Saquist

Thruster?

Do you mean OMS burn?
That's not an issue. The single OMS can fire as long as necessary to de-orbit.

It seemed like it might be the Orbital Maneuvering System, but the story states that the thruster is needed to control the Shuttle as opposed to actually de-orbiting it. (I've clarified this in an edit.)

[Saquist]

Oh yeah,
The shuttle has multiple thrusters attitude pitch control this is so minor it's not even worth the article. If it was a the OMS then it's sort of a deal.

[tomcatjosh]

well, at least not all of them did. ill just pray they make it back safley.

[Zardoz]

"Huston, we have a problem..."

[Star Trek Viewer]

Just updated the original message. This appears to be a minor issue.

[MagaditH]

Thrusters on full.

[Zardoz]

Woo Hoo