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Space Shuttle
Processing Status Report
Contact: Jessica Rye Vol. 1 No. 1(321) 867-2468
Space Shuttle Processing Status ReportFriday, Feb. 27, 2004 (1:30 p.m.)
Note: NASA’s Kennedy Space Center issues Space Shuttle Processing Status Reports each week, and is the source for information regarding processing activities associated with the vehicles and payloads. This report does not necessarily reflect the chronological order of future Space Shuttle missions. If you are a member of the media and would like further information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao.htm
Discovery (OV-103)
NASA’s Space Flight Leadership Council meeting Feb. 19 and selected Space Shuttle Discovery as the lead vehicle for Return to Flight and moved the launch planning window to March 6 through April 18, 2005. Processing continues for flight and implementation of Columbia Accident Investigation Board recommendations and Return to Flight modifications.
During processing, technicians found minor corrosion on the Rudder Speed Brake, as well as gears installed in reverse direction on one of the four actuators. The four actuators were removed from the vehicle, and will be X-rayed and undergo an engineering evaluation to determine further action.
Atlantis (OV-104)
Technicians in the Space Shuttle processing facility at Kennedy Space Center continue to prepare Atlantis for future missions. All of Atlantis’ Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panels were removed, shipped to the vendor for inspection and thermography, and returned to KSC for installation on the vehicle. All 22 left side wing leading edge panels have been re-installed.
Workers now will begin to installing the C-shaped T-seals that fit between each RCC panel. Build-up of the right-hand RCC panels and associated fittings begins next week.
Endeavour (OV-105)
Space Shuttle Endeavour is in its Orbiter Major Modification period, which began in December 2003. Technicians are installing cabling in the forward area of the vehicle in preparation for installation later this year of its new Multifunction Electronic Display System or “glass cockpit.” RCC panels continue to be removed from the vehicle and returned to the vendor for inspection. Of the 44 panels on Endeavour, eight left-hand panels and nine right-hand panels were removed.
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