The Space Shuttle fleet is housed and processed at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC), Fla. The order the Space Shuttles are listed in this report does not necessarily reflect the chronological order of future missions.
Discovery (OV-103)
During the holiday period, technicians completed a tremendous amount of work in preparation for Discovery’s Return to Flight mission, designated STS-114, to the International Space Station. Closeouts continue of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panels and carrier panels, which are the Thermal Protection System between the RCC and the orbiter structure allowing technicians access to the area.
The new Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) arrived at KSC on Dec. 22, 2004. It was taken to the Remote Manipulator System lab in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) for final checkout and testing prior to moving to the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) for installation into Discovery. The 50-foot long OBSS will attach to the Remote Manipulator System, or Shuttle robotic arm. It is one of the new safety measures for Return to Flight, equipping the orbiter with cameras and laser systems to inspect the Shuttle’s Thermal Protection System while in space.
The redesigned External Tank (ET) for the STS-114 mission arrived at KSC on Jan. 5 and was moved to the VAB for final processing prior to being attached to the Solid Rocket Boosters for flight.
Atlantis (OV-104)
Technicians also completed a tremendous amount of work preparing Atlantis’ Return to Flight mission. In OPF Bay 1, Atlantis was powered-up on Dec. 29. That followed an extensive power down period to complete the final wiring for Return to Flight modifications, including the new OBSS, wing leading edge sensors and the ET separation camera.
Radiator ground support equipment is installed and connections are in work in preparation for radiator functionals. Thermal Protection System blanket installation continues in the Forward Reaction Control System cavity. Check out of the new wing leading edge instrumentation was completed. Rudder Speed Brake actuators and panels have been installed, and measurements have been taken. The drive lock is scheduled next for installation.
Endeavour (OV-105)
Space Shuttle Endeavour is in its Orbiter Major Modification period, which began in December 2003. Endeavour is in the Vehicle Assembly Building for a temporary stay, clearing OPF Bay 2 for a scheduled maintenance period. The orbiter will be rolled back into the bay on Jan. 12.
Previous Space Shuttle processing status reports are available at:
http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/index.html
For information about NASA’s Return to Flight efforts visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/news/highlights/returntoflight.html