scope:

Abstract:

A video clip lesson learned on the topic of Process Control. The Shuttle External Tank (ET) employs a diffuser to control the uniform dispersal of gases used to maintain positive pressure as the level of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen drop after launch. An unacceptable material substitution by a subtier vendor was discovered that affected a number of diffusers already installed on ETs, including one on the tank mated to Discovery for the Return-to-Flight mission. Effective process control assures that guidelines are followed and that mission-critical products are created the same way every time. This 4-minute, 48-second video is a product of the Space Shuttle Program and its Process Control Focus Group.