NASA Space Shuttle Processing Status 28 May 2004

Discovery (OV-103)

Technicians continue to process Discovery in the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) for its Return to Flight mission, STS-114, to the International Space Station. Vehicle power up work continues with Orbital Maneuvering System pod thruster installations, an Air Data Probe leak test, Main Propulsion System actuator and latch system leak checks, and S-band communications system checks.

As early as next week, Discovery will enter a month-long power down period in which modifications will be made for Return to Flight. Modifications include wiring that will support the addition of the boom sensor system and installation of the wing leading edge sensors.

Atlantis (OV-104)

In the OPF, processing continues on Atlantis in preparation for its future flight to the International Space Station. Today, Atlantis will begin a four-month power down period for modifications including detailed wire inspections, wiring that will support the addition of the boom sensor system, and installation of the wing leading edge sensors.

Structural and baseline wire inspections, as well as preparations for Freon Coolant Loop No. 2 deservicing are in progress. Left-hand Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panel installation is complete, and all but one left-hand T-seals have been installed on the vehicle.

Endeavour (OV-105)

Space Shuttle Endeavour is in its Orbiter Major Modification period, which began in December. Electrical modifications continue in the crew module. Wire inspections are ongoing in the Environmental Control and Life Support System bay.

Three of the four right-hand radiators are installed on the vehicle, with the final radiator to be installed next week. Thermal Control System blanket work continues in support of the first two left-hand payload bay door radiators, which are scheduled to be installed next week. Bead blasting of Endeavour’s wing leading edge is ongoing in support of reinstalling the RCC panels and associated fittings.