NASA Space Shuttle Processing Status Report 4 Mar 2004
Discovery (OV-103)
Return to Flight preparations continue on orbiter Discovery in
the processing facility at KSC. Following the decision by NASA
management to remove and X-ray the Rudder Speed Brake actuator
gears, the four actuators were removed from the vehicle and
sent to the NASA Shuttle Logistics Depot in Cape Canaveral,
Fla., for X-ray beginning Monday. The X-ray will determine if
the gears were installed correctly.
The Body Flap actuators are installed, with a fit check set for
today. The Body Flap re-installation is scheduled for Friday.
Build-up of Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panels and
associated fittings is ongoing. The first RCC panels are
scheduled to be hung starting early next week.
Atlantis (OV-104)
Processing of Atlantis continues at KSC in preparation for its
future mission. Installation of the C-shaped T-seals that fit
between each RCC panel is beginning on the left-hand wing
leading edge. Right-hand RCC spar fittings are being installed,
with the first panels being placed on the vehicle starting next
week.
Remote Manipulator System hi-potential voltage tests are
ongoing. Installation of window No. 2 is scheduled for next
week.
Endeavour (OV-105)
Space Shuttle Endeavour is in its Orbiter Major Modification
period, which began in December 2003. Thermal Protection System
blankets are being removed to support removal and inspection of
the Rudder Speed Brake actuators. RCC panels continue to be
removed from the vehicle and returned to the vendor for
inspection.
For more information about the NASA’s Return to Flight efforts
on the Internet, visit:
