NASA Space Shuttle Processing Status Report 6 August 2004
Discovery (OV-103)
Following the Return to Flight modifications performed on Discovery during its scheduled power-down period, work on the orbiter is returning to a more normal processing flow in preparing for its future mission to the International Space Station. This week, the conical seal installation on the Rudder Speed Brake (RSB) is continuing. The conical seals provide thermal protection for the RSB hinges and drum actuators.
Work also continues on reassembling water coolant loop one, as does the routine post-operations testing on the left-hand Orbital Maneuvering System Pod thruster.
Atlantis (OV-104)
Atlantis is in a four-month power-down period, and the critical path wiring inspections and Return to flight
modifications continue on schedule.
Wing leading edge work continues with 13 right-hand Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panels hung and 17 left-hand panels hung. Installation of the nose cap blankets also continues. These thermal blankets, which are manufactured at Kennedy Space Center using heat-resistant fibers, line the inside of the nose cap, which is made of RCC, to provide further insulation for the orbiter.
Workers continue checking the main landing gear door rigging this week, and also prepared water coolant loop one for draining.
Endeavour (OV-105)
Space Shuttle Endeavour is in its Orbiter Major Modification period, which began last December. Electrical modifications continue in the crew module. Removal began this week of the right outboard elevon actuator, which will be replaced with an upgraded one. As part of a planned modification effort.
Three-string Global Positioning System wire routing in the avionics bay continues. This week, the nose cap and chin panel were temporarily installed so technicians can begin work on the Thermal Protection System tiles surrounding the area. The nose cap and chin panel will be removed in two to three months for fit checks of the more than 200 Thermal Protection System blankets that line the nose cap.
