NASA Space Shuttle Processing Status Report 20 Aug 2004

Discovery (OV-103)

Discovery is making significant progress for its Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station planned for next March. Prior to the arrival of Hurricane Charley last week, workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility prepared Discovery for the impending storm by closing the payload bay doors and powering down the vehicle. On Sunday, technicians reinstated power to the orbiter and resumed normal processing activities.

Both Freon coolant loops No. 1 and 2 are ready for flight, following servicing and successful leak checks. The Space Shuttle commander and pilot seats are mounted for the mission, and technicians are currently installing the seat harnesses.

Atlantis (OV-104)

Atlantis is in a four-month power-down period, and the critical path wiring inspections and Return to Flight electrical modifications continue on schedule. Preparations for Rudder Speed Brake actuator and panel installations continue.

Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panel installation continues with 14 right-hand panels and 21 spar fittings installed. A spar fitting is the floating joint that mechanically attaches the RCC panel to the orbiter’s wing leading edge. Technicians continue to install Thermal Protection System blankets in the nose cap, with installation of the nose cap scheduled for early next week.

Endeavour (OV-105)

Space Shuttle Endeavour is in its Orbiter Major Modification period, which began in December. Electrical modifications continue in the crew module. Body flap and left-hand wing leading edge corrosion clean-up work continues.

Three string Global Positioning System wire routing in the avionics bay and flight deck continues. Preparations are underway for the removal of water spray boilers No. 1 and 2. Each orbiter has three water spray boilers that are responsible for cooling the Auxiliary Power Units that activate the orbiter’s hydraulic system.