NASA Space Shuttle Processing Status 26 Mar 2004

Discovery (OV-103)

Discovery continues its two-week power down period for orbiter electrical wiring inspections. It’s scheduled to be powered up Tuesday, March 30. While the Rudder Speed Brake panels are removed from the vehicle, workers will perform fastener replacement in preparation for reinstallation on the vehicle.

Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panel installation is continuing with three left-hand panels hung. Build-up of the left-hand panels and associated fittings is ongoing. Following a successful fit check, technicians continue to assemble the Thermal Protection System blankets that will be installed inside Discovery’s nose cap.

Atlantis (OV-104)

Technicians continue to process Atlantis for its future mission to the International Space Station. Flex hose X-rays and inspections are complete. Engineers are evaluating results.

Fifteen T-seals, the C-shaped seals that fit between each RCC panel, have been installed on the left-hand wing leading edge. Right-hand RCC panel measurements are complete, with panel assembly in progress.

On March 25 the nose cap was returned to the Orbiter Processing Facility. The nose cap had been located in the Thermal Protection System Facility, so technicians could build up the thermal protection blankets that are installed inside the nose cap.

Endeavour (OV-105)

Space Shuttle Endeavour is in its Orbiter Major Modification period, which began in December 2003.
All of Endeavour’s RCC panels have been removed from the right-hand and left-hand leading edge of the wings. Preparations are being made to ship the panels back to the vendor. Once the panels are removed, they undergo thermography and other non-destructive evaluation techniques to verify they have no internal flaws.