rick felty - rotation speed

Today things got interesting in a surprising and different way.  Because of a helium leak in two quick-disconnect fittings in pressurization systems used by the ship's right-side orbital maneuvering system rocket pod, the launch schedule had to be adjusted.  That's a mouthful of a problem description, but probably not a huge repair issue.  However, given the time that was lost this week to repairing other unrelated leaks, it did mean that NASA had to shift the launch by 24 hours.  That then meant that the Tweet-up schedule also got shifted by 24 hours.  So instead of starting our meetings on Sunday mid-day, we will be starting them on Monday.

This meant for me that I had a decision to make.  Could I still afford the days away from home and work to attend this launch one day later?  It involved some conversations with the hotel about extra days and going online to review airplane and rental car options.  But basically, because it was only a one-day shift, the difference was minimal and in fact allowed me to do some things at home for that extra day before leaving.  So I made the decision to switch everything.  What I know is that even this one day shift could shift again, and so I am essentially going for the Tweet-up experience at NASA.  If the launch happens to go when I am down there, then that's great.  But even if it gets delayed again, the Tweet-up will be worth it.

There is a slightly greater chance that weather will be a factor on Tuesday, so I'm not ruling out another delay, but for now the shift is on to Tuesday and I've shifted with it.