KSC-98EC-0485 - Network Signal Processor No. 2 after removal from Columbia  


Two USA employees, Tim Seymour (at left) and Danny Brown (at right),
look at the network signal processor (NSP) that was responsible for
postponement of the launch of STS-90 on Apr. 16. The Space Shuttle
Columbia's liftoff from Launch Pad 39B was postponed 24 hours due to
difficulty with NSP No. 2 on the orbiter. This device formats data and
voice communications between the ground and the Space Shuttle. The
unit, which is located in the orbiter's mid-deck, was removed and
replaced on Apr. 16. Mission managers first noticed the problem at
about 3 a.m. during normal communications systems activation prior to
tanking operations. As a result, work to load the external tank with
the cryogenic propellants did not begin and launch postponement was
made official at about 8:15 a.m. STS-90 is slated to be the launch of
Neurolab, a nearly 17-day mission to examine the effects of
spaceflight on the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and sensory
organs in the human body.

 
                                               04/16/98