NASA NEWS
Space Shuttle Processing Status Report
Contact: Jessica Rye Vol. 1 No. 35
(321) 867-6185
Space Shuttle Processing Status Report
Friday, Nov. 12, 2004 (3:30 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)
Technicians have completed more than 50 percent of Discovery’s powered-up system testing for its Return to Flight mission, designated STS-114, to the International Space Station. System testing is continuing with the new Multi-functional Electronic Display System, or “glass cockpit,” closed circuit television system heater checks and orbiter docking system voltage tests.
The end effector, or grappling end, of the Space Shuttle robotic arm saw an unexpected temperature increase during previous testing and has been removed and replaced. The retest is scheduled for today. Main Propulsion System flow liner slot polishing is complete on all three engines. The polishing was performed to decrease the likelihood of microscopic cracks initiating in the flow liner.
Atlantis (OV-104)
Final power-down work continues in the Orbiter Processing Facility prior to Atlantis’ scheduled power up. During the extensive power-down period, technicians performed Return to Flight modifications including wiring installation for the External Tank separation camera, wing leading edge sensors and relay units, and the Orbiter Boom Sensor System.
Preparations for fuel cell installations are under way. Fuel cells No. 1, 2 and 3 are out of the shipping containers and fuel cell No. 1 has been inspected and is scheduled to be installed today. Fuel cells use oxygen and hydrogen to provide electrical power during a mission.
Endeavour (OV-105)
Space Shuttle Endeavour is in its Orbiter Major Modification period, which began in December 2003. Electrical modifications continue in the crew module. Three-String Global Positioning System wire routing in the avionics bay and flight deck continues.
The left outboard elevon actuator is installed. With the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels off the vehicle, work continues on removing the miniscule corrosion on the wing leading edge. Left-hand wing leading edge eddy current tests continue. Eddy current is a form of non-destructive evaluation that would reveal any microscopic flaws or cracks on the wing surface.
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