NASA NEWS
Space Shuttle Processing Status Report
Contact: Jessica Rye Vol. 1 No. 22
(321) 867-6185
Space Shuttle Processing Status Report
Friday, July 23, 2004 (4:30 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)
As early as next week, Discovery will be powered up following an extensive power-down period in which modifications associated with Return to Flight were performed. During this period, technicians installed wiring that will support the orbiter boom sensor system that will be used to inspect the Shuttle, the wire harness to support the new External Tank cameras and prepared for installing the new wing leading edge sensors.
In the Orbiter Processing Facility, Discovery’s right-hand Orbital Maneuvering System pod has undergone final inspections and has been installed for flight.
Atlantis (OV-104)
Technicians continue to process Atlantis for its future mission to the International Space Station. The vehicle remains in a scheduled four-month power-down period. Return to Flight and wire modifications are progressing well. Body flap actuators have been removed and quality control is performing post-removal inspections.
Wing leading edge work continues with four right-hand Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels hung and 17 spar fittings installed. The spar fittings, which are a series of floating joints that reduce stress on the panels when the Shuttles are in flight, mechanically attach the RCC panels to the wing.
Endeavour (OV-105)
Space Shuttle Endeavour is in its Orbiter Major Modification period, which began last December. Electrical modifications continue in the crew module. Technicians are working on installing the new Multi-functional Electronics Display System, or “glass cockpit.” Endeavour is the last vehicle to have the new display system installed.
Wire routing and flight deck preparations are progressing for the three-string Global Positioning System. Build-up of the chin panel, the smile-shaped section of RCC that fits directly below the nose cap to provide a thermal barrier during reentry, is progressing.
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