10-09-2003 17:37									#1
	nasa just can't get a break Support Apolyton, buy Alpha Centauri

can it?

this is such an oops moment... and no doubt somebody's out of a job.

but man, the way they described the oops is so damned funny.



oops

quote: Earth Science Missions Anomaly Report: GOES/POES Program/POES Project: 6 Sep 2003 EARTH SCIENCE MISSIONS ANOMALY REPORT TO: GSFC: 100/A. Diaz, 100/W. Townsend, 100/ 400/D Perkins, NASA HQ: Y/G. Asrar, Y/M. Luther, Q/B O’Connor FROM: GSFC/POES Project/480/K. Halterman DATE: September 6, 2003 PROGRAM/PROJECT: GOES/POES Program/POES Project DATE OF ANOMALY: September 6, 2003 LOCATION OF ANOMALY: Lockheed Martin, Sunnyvale CA DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: As the NOAA-N Prime spacecraft was being repositioned from vertical to horizontal on the "turn over cart" at approximately 7:15 PDT today, it slipped off the fixture, causing severe damage. (See attached photo). The 18' long spacecraft was about 3' off the ground when it fell. The mishap was caused because 24 bolts were missing from a fixture in the “turn over cart”. Two errors occurred. First, technicians from another satellite program that uses the same type of “turn over cart” removed the 24 bolts from the NOAA cart on September 4 without proper documentation. Second, the NOAA team working today failed to follow the procedure to verify the configuration of the NOAA “turn over cart” since they had used it a few days earlier. IMPACT ON PROGRAM/PROJECT AND SCHEDULE: The shock and vibration of the fall undoubtedly caused tremendous damage. Significant rework and retest will be required. NOAA-N Prime is planned for launch in 2008. CORRECTIVE ACTION: Lockheed Martin formed an Accident Review Team in which GSFC is participating. The immediate actions concern safety (preventing the spacecraft from rolling, discharging the batteries, and depressurizing the propulsion system). NOAA-N Prime is under guard, all records have been impounded, and the personnel interviewed. After the safety issues are addressed, attention will focus on assessing the damage to NOAA-N Prime.

	10-09-2003 17:42									#2
	Inflate your Upload Space

How could a mishap like this occur in NASA where safety is job 1?

Perhaps because the commitment to safety is bogus?

	10-09-2003 17:44									#3
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well, ned, can't you see it's an "anomaly"?

i guess we can officially kiss nasa's glory days goodbye (as if they didn't die in 1986...)

	10-09-2003 18:19									#4
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This reminds me of the translations from science speak to English:

"unfortunately, one of the samples seemed to be contaminated..." = it was dropped on the floor

"all samples were treated with extreme care" = no sample was dropped on the floor

	10-09-2003 18:39									#5
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it's now my background at work.

	10-09-2003 20:28									#6
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I wonder what were the first words spoken after the satellite toppled? The wording of the first phone call?

	10-09-2003 20:32									#7
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quote: Originally posted by mindseye I wonder what were the first words spoken after the satellite toppled? The wording of the first phone call?

Either "Who did that?" or "He did it!" I bet.

	10-09-2003 20:42									#8
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maybe "umm, houston, we have a slight problem."

	10-09-2003 20:47									#9
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Opps?

	10-09-2003 20:49									#10
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i wonder if there's surveillance camera footage of this accident.

i bet the expressions on these guys faces would have been priceless.