NASA Space Shuttle Processing Status Report 18 May 2007
Note: NASA’s Kennedy Space Center issues Space Shuttle Processing Status Reports periodically and is the source for information regarding processing activities associated with the vehicles and payloads. If you are a member of the media and would like further information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/news/index.html
Mission: STS-117 – 21st International Space Station Flight (13A) – S3/S4 Truss Segment Solar Arrays
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Launch Pad 39A
Launch Date: Targeted for June 8, 2007
Crew: Sturckow, Archambault, Reilly, Swanson, Forrester, Olivas and Anderson Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles
Space Shuttle Atlantis arrived back at Launch Pad 39A on Tuesday, following repairs to the foam on its hail-damaged external fuel tank. Mission STS-117 was originally targeted for launch in mid-March, before a severe thunderstorm in late February generated hail that pelted the tank, ET-124.
Pad operations are proceeding on schedule. Launch pad validation is complete, and the S3/S4 payload has been installed in Atlantis’ payload bay. Preparations have begun for hypergolic propellant loading, which is scheduled for next week. The orbiter weather protection curtain walls have been extended, providing additional protection to the vehicle.
Mission: STS-118 – 22nd International Space Station Flight (13A.1) – S5 Truss Segment
Vehicle: Endeavour (OV-105)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2
Launch Date: Targeted for Aug. 9, 2007
Launch Pad: 39A
Crew: Kelly, Hobaugh, Williams, Morgan, Mastracchio, Caldwell and Drew
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles
Members of the STS-118 flight crew completed the crew equipment interface test last week, reviewing equipment in Endeavour’s crew cabin and payload bay.
Leak checks have been completed between the crew module, airlock and tunnel adapter. The orbiter docking system centerline cameras, used during rendezvous and docking with the International Space Station, have been aligned. Technicians continue working to close out the orbiter aft, the midbody and the left and right wings. Hydraulic operations are under way for aerosurface and landing gear positioning.
Mission: STS-120 – 23rd International Space Station Flight (10A) – U.S. Node 2
Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3
Launch Date: Targeted for Oct. 20, 2007
Launch Pad: 39A
Crew: Melroy, Zamka, Parazynski, Wheelock, Wilson, Nespoli and Tani
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles
Servicing of the ammonia boiler system, a heat exchanger that helps cool the hydraulic system, was completed early this week. The drag chute, which helps slow the orbiter after landing on the runway, was installed. Functional testing of the atmospheric revitalization pressure control system, part of the orbiter’s life support system, continued this week. The orbiter docking system mechanism has been tested and will be stowed for flight. Modifications to Discovery’s engine cutoff sensor wiring continue.
