KSC Space Shuttle Processing Status Report, 25-06-2004

Contact: Jessica Rye
Vol. 1 No. 18
(321) 867-6185

Space Shuttle Processing Status Report

Friday, June 25, 2004 (3:00 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)

In the Obiter Processing Facility, Discovery continues its scheduled
power-down period for its Return to Flight mission, STS-114, to the
International Space Station. The Return to Flight modifications, including
the orbiter boom sensor system wiring and preparations for installation of
the wing leading edge sensors are progressing on schedule.

The Forward Reaction Control System, which provides the thrust for attitude
(rotational) maneuvers (pitch, yaw and roll) and for small velocity changes
along the orbiter axis (translation maneuvers), was installed Wednesday.

Atlantis (OV-104)

Technicians are processing Atlantis in the Orbiter Processing Facility in
support of its future mission. The four-month power-down period continues so
that workers can perform Return to Flight modifications, as well as
structural and baseline wire inspections. Following the modification period,
Atlantis is scheduled to be powered-up on Oct. 1.

Installation of the left-hand carrier panels, the Thermal Protection System
panels that attach the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels to the wing leading
edge, is underway. On the right-hand side, all of the 22 panels and T-seals,
the C-shaped seals that fit between each panel, are assembled and ready for
installation.

Endeavour (OV-105)

Space Shuttle Endeavour is in its Orbiter Major Modification period, which
began last December. Electrical modifications continue in the crew module.
Wire inspections are ongoing in the Environmental Control and Life Support
System bay.

Bead blasting of Endeavour's body flap area, right-hand wing leading edge
and dome heat shield area continues. Bead blasting is a process using a
pressurized pneumatic gun containing silica carbide, plastic pellets or
glass beads to remove primer, paint and corrosion from orbiter vehicle
surfaces.

Flex hose inspections in the Environmental Control and Life Support System
also are underway.



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Jacques :-)

www.spacepatches.info