Shuttle Rollback History

    A rollback occurs when some unforeseen situation occurs that requires the shuttle and booster stack to return to the VAB without launching. Sometimes this is due to problems with the weather Other times it is to do repairs on the vehicle that cannot be done on the launch pad.

    Rollbacks to date: 

      No.  Date  Orbiter   Mission     Reason 
            
01. 10/83  Columbia     STS-9    Suspect exhaust nozzle on right SRB. 
02. 07/84  Discovery     41-D    SSME #3 Replaced after a launch Abort 
03. 03/85  Challenger    51-B    Replace TDRS-B payload with Spacelab-3 
04. 06/90  Columbia    STS-35    LH2 Leak in ET 17in Disconnect seal
05. 08/90  Atlantis    STS-38    LH2 Leak in ET 17in Disconnect seal
06. 10/90  Columbia    STS-35    Tropical Storm Klaus
07. 03/91  Discovery   STS-39    Cracks on lug hinges on ET umbilical door
08. 08/94  Endeavour   STS-68    SSME #3 replacement after launch Abort
09. 06/95  Discovery   STS-70    Damage to ET by Woodpeckers.
10. 08/95  Endeavour   STS-69    Rollback due to Hurricane Erin.
11. 07/96  Atlantis    STS-79    Rollback due to Hurricane Bertha.
12. 09/96  Atlantis    STS-79    Rollback due to Hurricane Fran.
13. 05/99  Discovery   STS-96    Rollback due to hail damage to ET.