NASA Space Shuttle Processing Status Report 12 Mar 2004

Discovery (OV-103)

At Kennedy Space Center, Discovery continues to be processed for the Return to Flight mission. The four Rudder Speed Brake actuators were X-rayed on Monday and Tuesday to determine if the gears were installed correctly. One of the four actuators, actuator No. 2, showed that a gear was reversed. It will be sent back to the vendor for refurbishment, and returned to KSC for re-installation on the vehicle.

Vehicle power-up testing continues with the Main Propulsion System leak tests and fuel cell system checkout. The Body Flap actuator fit check was successfully completed. Build-up of Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panels and associated fittings is ongoing. Six RCC spar fittings have been installed on the left-hand leading edge.

Atlantis (OV-104)

Preparations continue in the processing facility for Atlantis’ future mission to the International Space Station.  Seven T-seals, the C-shaped seals that fit between each RCC panel, have been installed on the left-hand wing leading edge. Build-up of the right-hand RCC panels and associated fittings is ongoing.

The nose cap was delivered to the Thermal Protection System Facility (TPSF) on Tuesday. Technicians in the TPSF are beginning to build the thermal blankets that will be installed in the nose cap. Installation of window No. 2 is scheduled for today.  

Endeavour (OV-105)

Space Shuttle Endeavour is in its Orbiter Major Modification period, which began in December 2003.
Thermal Protection System blankets have been removed from the Rudder Speed Brake panels in preparation for the removal and inspection of the actuators. RCC panels continue to be removed from the vehicle and returned to the vendor for inspection.