KSC Space Shuttle Processing Status Report, 16-04-2004

Space Shuttle Processing Status Report

Friday, July 16, 2004 (2:00 p.m.)

Note: NASA's Kennedy Space Center issues Space Shuttle Processing Status
Reports each week, and is the source for information regarding processing
activities associated with the vehicles and payloads. This report does not
necessarily reflect the chronological order of future Space Shuttle
missions. If you are a member of the media and would like further
information, visit http://www-pao.ksc.nasa.gov/kscpao.htm


Discovery (OV-103)

Work continues to progress well on Discovery for its Return to Flight
mission, STS-114, to the International Space Station. The right-hand Orbital
Maneuvering System pod has been transferred to the Orbiter Processing
Facility, with final inspection scheduled for today and final installation
for flight scheduled for next week.

Freon Coolant Loop No. 2 is reassembled and leak checks on loops No. 1 and 2
are complete. Water Coolant Loop No. 2 servicing is in progress and Loop No.
1 will start being drained next week.

Atlantis (OV-104)

In the Orbiter Processing Facility, technicians continue processing Atlantis
for its future mission to the International Space Station. The vehicle
remains in a scheduled four-month power-down period in which Return to
Flight modifications are progressing well. Body flap removal preparations
have begun, with body flap and actuator removal scheduled for next week.



The chin panel, the smile-shaped section of Reinforced Carbon-Carbon that
fits directly below the nose cap to provide a thermal barrier during
reentry, is installed. Thermal Protection System blankets continue being
installed in the nose cap, with installation of the nose cap scheduled for
next week. Four left-hand carrier panels are installed.

Endeavour (OV-105)

Space Shuttle Endeavour is in its Orbiter Major Modification period, which
began last December. Electrical modifications continue in the crew module.
The nose cap fit check was successfully completed.

External Tank door and Dome Heat Shield tile bonds continue. Fit checks for
the Global Positioning Satellite antennas are complete. The antennas were
removed and sent to the NASA Shuttle Logistics Depot in Cape Canaveral,
Fla., for the final modifications prior to installation for flight.



-end-



--
---------------------------

Jacques :-)

www.spacepatches.info