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STS-71 Atlantis Helium Tank Leak

Wednesday, June 21, 1995
4:45 p.m.

Managers have decided to further inspect a leaking reaction control
system helium tank in the right-hand orbital maneuvering system pod
on Shuttle Atlantis.

The leak was determined to be sufficient enough to warrant further analysis. 

Technicians will gain access to the tank and the suspect fitting
later this evening. Once the tank is de-pressurized, technicians will
attempt to re-torque the fitting. If there is movement on the
fitting, the technician will torque the fitting to the specified
value, the tank will be pressurized and another leak check performed.

If the fitting is already tight, a decision will be made to remove
and replace the entire helium tank.

Managers believe both operations can be completed without impacting
launch on Friday, given a success oriented operation without
additional complications.

Additional information will be available tomorrow morning.