NASA Space Shuttle Processing Status Report 21 December 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-122 – 24th International Space Station Flight – Columbus Module
Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
Location: Launch Pad 39A
Launch Date: Targeted for Jan. 10, 2008
Crew: Frick, Poindexter, Schlegel, Eyharts, Love, Melvin, Walheim
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles
A tanking test was conducted at Launch Pad 39A on Tuesday to aid in troubleshooting the cause of malfunctioning engine cutoff (ECO) sensors. Technicians spliced test wiring into the ECO sensor electrical system and used time domain reflectometry equipment to help locate the electrical anomaly. Results of the tanking test pointed to an open circuit in the feed-through connector wiring, which is located at the base of the tank. The feed-through connector passes the wires from the inside of the tank to the outside. Today technicians removed foam insulation covering the feed-through connector box, and workers from Lockheed-Martin will begin inspecting and testing the connector if approval is received for its removal next week.
Shuttle program managers will meet on Dec. 27 to further review the data analysis from the tanking test conducted earlier this week and decide on a forward plan.
Mission: STS-123 – 25th International Space Station Flight – Kibo, Dextre
Vehicle: Endeavour (OV-105)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2
Launch Date: Targeted for Feb. 14, 2008
Launch Pad: 39A
Crew: Gorie, Johnson, Linnehan, Doi, Behnken, Foreman, Reisman
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles
In Orbiter Processing Facility bay No. 2, orbiter closeouts continue for rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The Ku-band antenna has been stowed and the payload bay doors are closed for the holiday. Testing of the hydraulic system is complete, and the aerosurfaces (body flaps, rudder speed brake, elevons) have been positioned for rollover. The wing leading edge sensor system flight batteries have been installed. The orbiter’s main propulsion system is configured for flight. The external tank doors have been inspected and positioned to centerline for flight. Final inspection of the thermal protection system is nearing completion, and the tiles will be waterproofed during the holiday period.
In high bay No. 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, booster integration and closeout activities are complete. The mate of the external fuel tank is targeted for Jan. 2, pending the outcome of the STS-122 ECO system analysis.
Mission: STS-124 – 26th International Space Station Flight – Kibo Pressurized Module, Japanese Remote Manipulator System
Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)
Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3
Launch Date: Targeted for April 24, 2008
Launch Pad: 39A
Crew: Kelly, Ham, Nyberg, Garan, Fossum, Hoshide
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles
In Orbiter Processing Facility bay No. 3, the remote manipulator system verification testing is finished. The hydrogen separator was removed and replaced. Workers continue preparations for installing BRI tiles, a new, stronger type of thermal tile, around the external tank doors and main landing gear doors. All three liquid hydrogen engine feedline eddy current inspections are complete.
