Investigators Find Another Potential Shuttle Problem | Universe Today

Written by Fraser Cain

Shuttle investigators have found another potential problem that could damage future space shuttles during launch. When searching through radar data of the Columbia, the investigation board discovered that an 18 kilogram bolt connecting the shuttles boosters to its fuel tank flew off . There's no evidence that it actually hit the shuttle, but its potential damage to future missions could be catastrophic. Fragments of the bolt are supposed to be caught in a special cylinder to prevent exactly this kind of problem, but it appears that the capture device needs improvements.

Filed under: Space Shuttle

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