NASA Space Shuttle Processing Status Report 22 October 2004

Discovery (OV-103)
 

In the Orbiter Processing Facility, technicians continue to perform system testing for Discovery’s Return to Flight (RTF) mission, designated STS-114, to the International Space Station.

The Remote Manipulator System (RMS), or Space Shuttle robotic arm, was installed in the payload bay on Oct. 15. The arm was powered up for testing on Wednesday. During testing, the end effector, or grappling end, saw an unexpected temperature increase. Managers have decided to remove the end effector and replace it. The RMS will not have to be removed to perform this work.

Atlantis (OV-104)
 
Atlantis will be powered up the week of Nov. 15, following an extensive power-down period during which RTF modifications are being performed. These include the wiring for the Orbiter Boom Sensor System and installation of the wing leading edge sensors.

All four right-hand and left-hand radiators have been installed for flight. Close out of the chin panel, the semi-circle-shaped section of Reinforced Carbon-Carbon under the nose cap, is ongoing. Technicians continue critical path wiring, structural inspections and electrical modifications throughout 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. Three-String Global Positioning System wire routing in the avionics bay and flight deck continues.

Technicians are beginning elevon actuator inspections. Removal of the left outboard elevon actuator is complete. Once the actuator was removed, leak and flow checks were performed. Reinstallation is scheduled for tomorrow.