NASA Space Shuttle Processing Status Report 29 June 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)
Official Launch Date: June 8, 2007
Official Landing Date: June 22, 2007
Crew: Sturckow, Archambault, Reilly, Swanson, Forrester, Olivas and Williams

At NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Atlantis has undergone a week of preparation for its ferry flight back to KSC aboard the shuttle carrier aircraft. The SCA is a modified Boeing 747 airplane, which transports the orbiter in piggyback fashion. The first opportunity for the flight is Saturday and will be dependent on weather conditions across the country.

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. 7, 2007
Launch Pad: 39A
Crew: Kelly, Hobaugh, Williams, Morgan, Mastracchio, Caldwell and Drew
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

In Orbiter Processing Facility bay No. 2, Endeavour is undergoing final preparations for rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building early on Monday morning, with orbiter mate to the transporter scheduled for Saturday. During the week, functional testing of the payload bay doors was completed, the doors have been closed for flight, and the strongbacks (metal structures that allow for the movement of the doors) have been removed. The main landing gear and nose landing gear tires are pressurized for flight. The forward, mid and aft sections of the orbiter are closed out for flight. The orbiter weight and center of gravity are being measured today.

In the Vehicle Assembly Building, processing of the STS-118 external tank and solid rocket boosters continues. This weekend, platforms will be configured for the orbiter mate.

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

In Orbiter Processing Facility bay No. 3, aft closeout work is under way. Checkout of the hydraulic system for water spray boiler No. 1 is complete and good. Testing of the auxiliary power units is under way. Testing of the external tank doors for proper closure and fit is also under way.