NASA Space Shuttle Processing Status Report 30 Apr 2004

Discovery (OV-103)

Processing work continues in the Orbiter Processing Facility to prepare
Discovery for the Return to Flight mission, STS-114, to the
International Space Station. Vehicle power-up work continues with Ku-
band communications and radar system testing. Following installation of
the four new Rudder Speed Brake (RSB) actuators, RSB panel installation
is scheduled to begin late next week.

Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) build-up of panels and associated
fittings is ongoing. Twenty left-hand and 14 right-hand spar fittings
are installed. Spar fittings are a series of mechanical joints that
attach the RCC panel to the wing. Discovery’s nose cap was installed
April 23, and the Ground Support Equipment was removed Wednesday.

Atlantis (OV-104)

Atlantis continues its power-up period in support of mission processing
to prepare the vehicle for its future flight to the International Space
Station. Technicians began work in preparation for airlock removal. RSB
panel removal is scheduled to begin as early as this weekend, followed
by actuator removal early next week.

Thermography has been performed on Atlantis’ nose cap, and Thermal
Protection System blanket installation is continuing. Build-up of the
panels and associated fittings is ongoing, with 22 left-hand T-seals
completed and 20 installed on 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 in support of the Multi-functional Electrical Display System
(MEDS), or “glass cockpit” upgrade. Endeavour is the final vehicle to
receive the MEDS upgrade.

Now that all of the 44 RCC panels and associated fittings have been
removed from the vehicle, preparations are under way for bead blasting
the wing leading edge of Endeavour.