Technicians on Launch Pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida will inspect and replace the 7-inch quick disconnect seal at space shuttle Discovery’s ground umbilical carrier plate (GUCP). This is being done to ensure its connection to the vent line which carries hydrogen gas away from the pad.
Following a recently reviewed analysis of the vent line weight distribution (loads), engineers decided to replace the seal with the same enhanced process used prior to the successful tanking test in December 2010.
Once the seal has been replaced and the GUCP reconnected, technicians will perform additional leak checks on the system.
The current work being conducted is not expected to impact Discovery’s targeted launch on Feb. 24.