NASA NEWS
Space Shuttle Processing Status Report
Contact: Jessica Rye Vol. 1 No. 30
(321) 867-6185
Space Shuttle Processing Status Report
Friday, Oct. 8, 2004 (3:00 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)
Processing continues in the Orbiter Processing Facility for Discovery’s Return to Flight mission. Top NASA management met on Oct. 1 and determined the March/April target launch window for Return to Flight is no longer achievable due to the impacts of the hurricane season on numerous Centers. The council directed the Space Shuttle Program to assess how it would meet milestones for the next available launch window, which opens May 14, 2005. The Shuttle program will present its analysis at a late October leadership council meeting.
Throughout the week, significant progress was made on orbiter system testing. Technicians continue to bond the new wing leading edge sensors on the interior of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panels. Optics tests continue with the alignment of the Manipulator Positioning Mechanisms in preparation for the Remote Manipulator System, or Space Shuttle arm, to be installed.
Atlantis (OV-104)
Atlantis is in a four-month power-down period, and the critical path wiring inspections and Return to Flight electrical modifications continue on schedule. Structural and wire inspections are ongoing throughout the vehicle.
All right-hand radiators have been installed, with work beginning on the left-hand radiators next week. Right-hand spar fittings have all been installed, with the full complement of 22 RCC panels hung on the vehicle. The left-hand wing leading edge is complete, including the T-seals, which are installed between each panel.
Endeavour (OV-105)
Space Shuttle Endeavour is in its Orbiter Major Modification period, which began in December. Electrical modifications continue in the crew module. Three-String Global Positioning System wire routing in the avionics bay and flight deck continues.
Right- and left-hand wing leading edge corrosion cleanup continues. Once the RCC panels and associated fittings were removed, technicians began to bead blast the wing leading edge of Endeavour to ensure there was no corrosion. The edge will be painted prior to the reinstallation of RCC panels for flight. While the panels are removed, they are undergoing extensive non-destructive testing including flash thermography and X-rays.
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