Sep 18 1978
From The Space Library
Onboard equipment problems had delayed launch of Nimbus-G and Tiros-N from Vandenberg AFB, Av Wk reported. Tape recorder problems had caused cancellation of the Nimbus-G launch scheduled for Sept. 18; the new launch would not be before Oct. 2. Replacement of a malfunctioning processing unit had delayed the Tiros-N launch for 2wk. The problem appeared to be isolated and should not affect the unit's design or the AF meteorological satellites then in orbit.
Aerospace Daily reported that NASA had returned the three tape recorders in Nimbus-G to the builder, RCA Corp., for cleaning and removal of loose solder that could cause short circuits; five essentially identical tape recorders on Tiros-N also needed cleaning. Nimbus-G and Tiros-N represented first uses of the NASA tape recorder, developed over several years by RCA as standard equipment for a variety of spacecraft. The problem had apparently arisen in soldering connectors to the mother board (a printed circuit board into which other PCBs were plugged); upon inspecting a tape recorder that had failed during tests, NASA found that loose solder had shorted pins. While drawing up a cleaning requirement for units not yet delivered, NASA had dismantled three tape recorders and had found loose solder capable of causing shorts in all three. (Av Wk, Sept 18/78, 33; AID, Sept 18/78, 73)
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