Technicians at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida will make fuel and oxidizer cross feed connections in space shuttle Discovery’s right Orbital Maneuvering System, or OMS, pod today.
The techs will be wearing Self-Contained Atmospheric Protective Ensemble, or SCAPE, hazardous operation suits which will protect them from the toxic chemicals they will be in contact with while working on the engine.
The shuttle’s two OMS pod engines make major course adjustments for the vehicle while in space and also is used to slow down a shuttle allowing gravity take over as it falls out of orbit for its return to Earth.
The six STS-133 crew members are enjoying a well-deserved vacation this week.