NASA Space Shuttle Processing Status Report 24 May 2006
Mission: STS-121 – 18th International Space Station Flight (ULF1.1) – Multi-Purpose Logistics Module
Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)
Location: Launch Pad 39B
Launch Date: Launch Processing Window July 1-19, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles
Space Shuttle Discovery remains at Launch Pad 39B, and technicians continue performing system testing while the vehicle is powered. The external tank camera test was successfully completed, and the lens cap has been reinstalled until launch.
Tuesday, the launch team conducted the flight readiness test of the space shuttle main engines, as well as the liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen system leak checks. The test ensures the engine hydraulics are properly working.
Technicians also are preparing for the gaseous and liquid hydrogen and oxygen leak checks of the power reactant storage distribution system. The distribution system will be loaded with hydrogen and oxygen next week. The system provides the fuel for the forward reaction control system and the orbiter maneuvering system pods.
The orbiter payload bay doors were opened Tuesday in preparation for the payloads to be installed today. The team continues with other activities including the orbiter weather protection system’s activation and the completion of validations of the sound suppression and Firex systems.
