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VEHICLE: Discovery/OV-103 -- Flight # 17, 30th Flight of Discovery
TARGET LAUNCH DATE: May 15, 2005
PAD: 39B
TARGET LANDING DATE: TBA
MISSION DURATION: 11 days
SHUTTLE CREW: Collins, Kelly, Noguchi, Robinson, Thomas, Lawrence, Camarda
ISS EXPEDITION CREW: n/a
ORBITAL ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 122 nautical miles, 51.6 degrees

SHUTTLE & PAYLOAD PROCESSING STATUS REPORT

Friday, March 04, 2005 (12:00 am EST)

In preparation for payload bay door closure, processing continues with work on the Boom Manipulator Positioning Mechanism assembly fasteners, installation and verification of the Remote Manipulator System camera, and inspections of the airlock wiring. Thermal Protection System blanket bonding continues on the Rudder Speed Brake. Main landing gear thermal barrier installations are complete.  

On Monday, the External Tank was mated, or attached, to its twin Solid Rocket Boosters in the VAB. Prior to orbiter Discovery joining the stack, final closeouts on the External Tank will include attaching the new bolt catcher and electrical cable connections, as well as installing an aerodynamic fairing and the bi-pod struts, which are the attach points for the nose of the orbiter to the tank.

Rack installation into the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello began today and is scheduled to continue through mid-March.  Raffaello will deliver a variety of supplies, to include clothing, food and spare parts. The Human Research Facility-2 (HRF-2) science rack will be installed at the beginning of next week. HRF-2 will deliver additional biomedical instrumentation and research capability to the Station. HRF-1 contains an ultrasound unit and gas analyzer system and has been operational in the U.S. Lab since May 2001. Both racks provide structural, power, thermal, command and data handling, and communication and tracking interfaces between the HRF biomedical instrumentation and the U.S. Lab, Destiny.
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Friday, February 25, 2005 (12:00 am EST)

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Friday, February 18, 2005 (5:00 p.m. EST)

At today's Space Flight Leadership Council, NASA managers met and refined the launch planning window for orbiter Discovery's Return to Flight mission, designated STS-114, to the International Space Station to May 15 - June 3, 2005. This is to accommodate for daylight launch attempts and to ensure the most detailed and clear photography of the External Tank.

Orbiter system testing is approximately 90 percent complete on Discovery in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, work continued on the Auxiliary Power Unit controller checkout and drain system checks.  Orbiter Maneuvering System heat shields were installed and controller checkouts were completed. 

Thermal Protection System blanket bonding continues on the vertical stabilizer, which is the tail of the orbiter. Checkout work is progressing with the new Orbiter Boom Sensor System on the starboard side of Discovery's payload bay. Testing on one of the boom sensor packages is complete.

Manipulator Positioning Mechanism (MPM) adjustments were completed and closeouts continue. The MPMs are the pedestals that hold and latch the boom in the payload bay. 

In the Vehicle Assembly Building, all final closeouts have been completed on the External Tank (ET) in the checkout cell prior to the tank being mated, or attached, to the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs).  The SRBs for the STS-114 mission are stacked on the Mobile Launcher Platform and closeouts and preps for ET attaching, or mating, continue. SRB alignment optics were completed this week in preparation for the ET mating. Repairs continue on the SRB aft inactive stub ring, an attach ring surrounding the booster located about 10 feet below the ET attach point. The paint replacement on the stub ring is complete, and pull tests are planned for this weekend.  The ET is scheduled to be moved to the integration cell and mated with the SRBs no earlier than Feb. 25.
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Processing continues on orbiter Discovery in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 for its Return to Flight mission, designated STS-114, to the International Space Station (ISS). The STS-114 crew visited Kennedy Space Center this week for the Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT). Prior to each flight, crews participate in the CEIT for hands-on training and hardware familiarization. The crew performs a vehicle walk-around to inspect the Thermal Protection System and enters the payload bay to inspect the new Orbiter Boom Sensor System.

System testing continues with fuel cell valve tests, Auxiliary Power Unit controller checkout and payload bay door functional tests.  Flight crew equipment technicians began installing tools into the mid-deck lockers in support of the CEIT. In the payload bay, the keel yolk assembly for an external stowage platform was installed. The platform will be deployed and mounted to the ISS and will be used by crews as a permanent spare parts facility on the Station.

In the Space Station Processing Facility, prep work is under way for the installation of the racks into the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM), named Raffaello. The racks hold the supplies, including food, clothing and spare parts. 

In the Vehicle Assembly Building, all final closeouts have been completed on the External Tank (ET) in the checkout cell prior to the tank being mated, or attached, to the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB).  Repairs continue to progress well on the Solid Rocket Booster aft inactive stub, an attach ring surrounding the booster located approximately 10 ft. below the point where the External Tank is mated to the SRBs. In preparation for ET/SRB mate, alignment optics will begin on Monday. The External Tank is scheduled to be moved to the integration cell and mated with the SRBs on Feb. 21.
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In Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) bay 3, processing continues to progress well for Discovery's Return to Flight mission, designated STS-114, to the International Space Station. Orbiter Maneuvering System redundant electrical circuit verification testing is complete.

Rudder Speed Brake cove panel installation is complete, and work is under way to complete the seal and Thermal Protection System blanket installation.

On Jan. 24, the new Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) was installed into the starboard side of Discovery's payload bay. Measurements of the boom and Remote Manipulator System camera clearance checks are complete. The 50-foot-long OBSS will attach to the Remote Manipulator System, or Shuttle robotic arm, and 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.

In the Vehicle Assembly Building, the Solid Rocket Boosters for the STS-114 mission are stacked on the Mobile Launcher Platform and final closeouts continue. Right-hand External Tank attach ring foam application is complete. The Return to Flight External Tank, ET-120, is located in the checkout cell and technicians are nearly complete with the electrical checkouts. The External Tank is scheduled to be moved to the integration cell and mated with the Solid Rocket Boosters on Feb. 9.
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Friday, January 21, 2005 (12:00 p.m. EST)

Processing continues in the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) for Discovery's Return to Flight mission, designated STS-114, to the International Space Station. Testing of the thousands of systems onboard Discovery is 80 percent complete. Preparations for leak tests of the crew module were performed yesterday. Main Propulsion System leak checks are complete. 

Following final checkout, testing and installation of the avionics box, the new Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) was transferred from the Remote Manipulator System lab in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to the OPF Thursday. The boom is scheduled to be installed into the starboard side of Discovery's payload bay early next week. The 50-foot-long OBSS will attach to the Remote Manipulator System, or Shuttle robotic arm, and 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.

In integrated operations in the VAB, the team is working final closeouts of the stacked Solid Rocket Boosters for the STS-114 mission. The External Tank (ET) is located in the checkout cell, and technicians have completed the aft hard-point closeout foam spray. 

The aft hard-point is an area of the tank where the ET is mated to the transporter. Foam is not applied to that area at the Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana to avoid damage to the foam during travel to Kennedy Space Center.
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Technicians continue system testing in support of Discovery's roll over to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) in March for the Return to Flight mission, designated STS-114, to the International Space Station. The dome mounted heat shields, the semi-circle sections of Thermal Protection System tile that are bolted around the engine interfaces, have been installed for flight.

The new Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) is in the Remote Manipulator System lab in the VAB for final checkout and testing. It is scheduled to be moved over to the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) and installed on Discovery next week. The 50-foot-long OBSS will attach to the Remote Manipulator System, or Shuttle robotic arm, and 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.

Stacking of the Solid Rocket Boosters for the STS-114 mission is complete and the team is continuing with closeouts. Following the arrival of the redesigned External Tank at Kennedy Space Center on Jan. 5, the tank was moved to the VAB and lifted into the checkout cell for final processing. Technicians are beginning preparations for the aft hard-point closeout spray and should begin that task this weekend.
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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, a 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 Kennedy Space Center on Dec. 22, 2004 and was taken to the Remote Manipulator System lab in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) for final checkout and testing prior to moving over 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, and 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 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.
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Technicians continue to perform orbiter powered-system testing on Discovery for its Return to Flight mission, designated STS-114, to the International Space Station. Final closeouts and seal installations continue on the Rudder Speed Brake.

The new Orbiter Boom Sensor System (OBSS) is scheduled to arrive at Kennedy Space Center as early as next week. Once at KSC, it will be taken to the Remote Manipulator System lab in the Vehicle Assembly Building for final checkout and testing prior to moving over to the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) for installation into Discovery.

The 50-foot long OBSS will attach to the Remote Manipulator System, or Shuttle arm, and 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.
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Friday, December 10, 2004

In the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF), orbiter powered-system testing continues for Discovery's Return to Flight mission, designated STS-114, to the International Space Station. Auxiliary Power Unit water servicing and leak check sample results are complete. The three Space Shuttle Main Engines were moved from the Main Engine Shop and installed on Discovery for flight. Engines were installed in positions No. 1 and 3 on Wednesday, with No. 2 completed on Thursday.

Engine installation was scheduled to begin on Monday, but was delayed due to an issue with the vehicle used to install the engines. During the installation of Space Shuttle Main Engine 2057 into engine position No. 1 on Discovery, the engine shifted to the right, allowing the low-pressure fuel duct on the engine to touch a Thermal Protection System tile on the right Orbiter Maneuvering System (OMS) pod. There was no damage to the engine or the OMS pod and the tile will be repaired in place. There will be no impact to the milestone for Return to Flight.

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Testing of the end effector, or grappling end, of the Space Shuttle robotic arm successfully concluded this week. Installation of the wing leading edge instrumentation is 50 percent complete. Closeout work was completed in the orbiter midbody in bay 1 and in left-hand bay 9. Those areas will be covered and closed out for flight.

Also accomplished this week were the flow liner cleaning and inspection of Main Propulsion System Engine 2. Checkout of the computer complex portion of the Data Processing System, which is part of the orbiter's control system, was completed.
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Technicians have completed more than 50 percent of Discovery’s powered-up system testing for its Return to Flight mission, designated STS-114, to the International Space Station. System testing is continuing with the new Multi-functional Electronic Display System, or “glass cockpit,” closed circuit television system heater checks and orbiter docking system voltage tests.

The end effector, or grappling end, of the Space Shuttle robotic arm saw an unexpected temperature increase during previous testing and has been removed and replaced. The retest is scheduled for today. Main Propulsion System flow liner slot polishing is complete on all three engines. The polishing was performed to decrease the likelihood of microscopic cracks initiating in the flow liner.
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As Discovery continues to be processed for its launch planning window of May 12 to June 3, 2005, technicians progress with important orbiter power-up system testing. This testing is required prior to the vehicle rolling over to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Once in the VAB, the orbiter will be mated to its twin Solid Rocket Boosters and External Tank.

Checkout of the new Multi-functional Electronic Display System, or “glass cockpit,” was successfully completed.  Orbiter drag chute door instrumentation testing is complete. Closeout inspections and photos of the drag chute door continue. Main landing gear tire pressure strain gauge installation and monitoring system checkout are complete.
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Powered-up orbiter system testing in the Orbiter Processing Facility continues to progress on schedule for Discovery’s future Return to Flight mission, designated STS-114, to the International Space Station. The Space Flight Leadership Council met today and determined the new launch planning window is May 12, 2005 to June 3, 2005.

Technicians continue testing and checkout of both the Remote Manipulator System, or Space Shuttle robotic arm, and the starboard manipulator positioning mechanisms. Installation of the new wing leading edge sensors and relay units continues. Ku band target tracking tests are complete.
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In the Orbiter Processing Facility, technicians continue to perform system testing for Discovery’s Return to Flight (RTF) mission, designated STS-114, to the International Space Station.

The Remote Manipulator System (RMS), or Space Shuttle robotic arm, was installed in the payload bay on Oct. 15. The arm was powered up for testing on Wednesday. During testing, the end effector, or grappling end, saw an unexpected temperature increase. Managers have decided to remove the end effector and replace it. The RMS will not have to be removed to perform this work.
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Processing continues in the Orbiter Processing Facility for Discovery’s Return to Flight (RTF) mission to the International Space Station. Installation of the Remote Manipulator System, or Space Shuttle robotic arm, is scheduled for today. Testing continues on the Manipulator Positioning Mechanisms in preparation for that installation.

During powered-up system testing, technicians performed numerous checks including Orbiter Maneuvering System and Reaction Control System heater checks, nitrogen and oxygen leak checks, and Ku-band system work. Closeouts continue on the Rudder Speed Brake with seal installations.  _____________________________________________

Processing continues in the Orbiter Processing Facility for Discovery’s Return to Flight mission. Top NASA management met on Oct. 1 and determined the March/April target launch window for Return to Flight is no longer achievable due to the impacts of the hurricane season on numerous Centers. The council directed the Space Shuttle Program to assess how it would meet milestones for the next available launch window, which opens May 14, 2005. The Shuttle program will present its analysis at a late October leadership council meeting.

Throughout the week, significant progress was made on orbiter system testing. Technicians continue to bond the new wing leading edge sensors on the interior of the Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) panels. Optics tests continue with the alignment of the Manipulator Positioning Mechanisms in preparation for the Remote Manipulator System, or Space Shuttle arm, to be installed.
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NASA’s three Space Shuttle orbiters -- Discovery, Atlantis and Endeavour – along with the Shuttle launch pads and all of the critical flight hardware for the orbiters and the International Space Station, remained well protected and sustained no damage during Hurricane Frances over Labor Day weekend.

On Monday, workers began the process of taking the orbiters out of a hurricane preparedness status and returning to regular processing activities. Discovery was powered up on Tuesday and the landing gear lowered back down. Since the payload bay doors were closed during hurricane preparations, they will remain that way for technicians to perform an optics check of the Heads Up Display, a standard check performed during processing activities. The display provides visual alignment cues to Space Shuttle commanders and pilots during approach and landing. The payload bay doors are scheduled to open next Tuesday.

Atlantis and Endeavour have also returned to pre-hurricane processing activities, following deconfiguring from storm preparations.

Space Shuttle facilities including the Vehicle Assembly Building, the Thermal Protection System Facility and the Processing Control Center felt the most effect from the hurricane and received significant damage. The KSC Recovery Team continues to perform assessments of the damage and create recovery plans to ensure Space Shuttle facilities are fully operational as quickly and safely as possible.

Processing activities associated with orbiter Thermal Protection System (TPS) tiles are scheduled to begin Monday. Following the move of the second floor TPS blanket area to a hangar at the Shuttle Landing Facility (offered by the Florida Space Authority), TPS blanket production could begin as e arlyasSept.27.

Managers at KSC are currently watching Hurricane Jeanne’s track to determine what steps, if any, need to be taken in preparation for the storm. A decision will be made Saturday to determine if the Center will enter Hurricane Condition IV (50 knot winds expected within 72 hours). If Hurricane Condition III (50 knot winds expected within 48 hours) was declared, the orbiters will be prepared once again to ensure their safe ride-out of the storm.
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Steady progress continues on Discovery for its Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station currently planned for the March timeframe of next year. Following the installation of the right-hand Orbiter Maneuvering System pod, interface verifications and electrical connector work will begin th isweekend.

The vehicle will be powered down with the payload bay doors closed for technicians to perform the optical alignment of the heads up display. The display provides visual alignment cues to Space Shuttle commanders and pilots during approach and landing. The right-hand main landing gear wheels are installed.
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Friday, August 20, 2004 (3:30 p.m. EST)

Discovery is making significant progress for its Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station planned for next March. Prior to the arrival of Hurricane Charley last week, workers in the Orbiter Processing Facility prepared Discovery for the impending storm by closing the payload bay doors and powering down the vehicle. On Sunday, technicians reinstated power to the orbiter and resumed normal processing activities.

Both Freon coolant loops No. 1 and 2 are ready for flight, following servicing and successful leak checks. The Space Shuttle commander and pilot seats are mounted for the mission, and technicians are currently installing the seat harnesses.
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Orbiter Atlantis was mated to the Orbiter Transporter System on Tuesday and was rolled over on Wednesday to be mated to its Solid Rocket Boosters and External Tank in preparation for a launch to the International Space Station on March 1.
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Technicians have completed all processing and closeouts in preparation for Atlantis launch to the International Space Station in March. The Orbiter will be weighed today in preparation for mating to the Orbiter Transporter System on Tuesday.
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Technicians in the processing facility continue to prepare Atlantis for its March launch to the International Space Station.

Orbiter Maneuvering System/Reaction Control System electrical redundancy checkout is in work. Payload bay closeouts are complete and the payload bay doors have been closed.
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Processing continues for Atlantis' March launch to the International Space Station. Water Spray Boiler checkout, and heat shield and Forward Reaction Control System installation is in work. As part of the analysis under way of the crack found in the BSTRA on Discovery, technicians completed the inspection of Atlantis's lines and did not find any cracks.
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Atlantis continues to be processed for its March launch to the International Space Station. Today, heat shield installation continues in work as does preparations to install the Forward Reaction Control System. As part of the analysis under way regarding the crack found in the BSTRA ball on Discovery, technicians completed an inspection of Atlantis' lines and found no cracks. With those inspections complete, all three Space Shuttle Main Engines were installed and leak checks are complete. The Crew Equipment Interface Test is also complete.
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Atlantis continues to be processed for its March launch to the International Space Station. The Payload Premate Test is complete and work has begun to test the Power Reactant Storage and Distribution system and perform leak checks on the Main Propulsion System and Space Shuttle Main Engines. As part of the analysis under way of the crack found in the BSTRA ball on Discovery, technicians completed an inspection of Atlantis' lines and found no cracks.
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Atlantis continues to be processed for its March launch to the International Space Station. Preparations for the Payload Premate Test are in work. As part of the analysis under way of the crack found in the BSTRA ball on Discovery, technicians completed an inspection of Atlantis' lines and found no cracks. With those inspections complete, technicians installed Atlantis' three Space Shuttle Main Engines on Saturday.
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Atlantis continues to be processed for its March launch to the International Space Station. Payload premate test preparations are in work. Forward Reaction Control System and wheel and tire installation are scheduled for next week.

As part of the analysis under way of the crack found in the BSTRA on Discovery, technicians are inspecting similar areas on Atlantis. The inspections of Atlantis have found no cracks. Further inspections may be performed. Pending those activities, Space Shuttle Main Engine installation could begin as early as tomorrow. 
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Atlantis continues to be processed for its March launch to the International Space Station. Preparations for Space Shuttle Main Engine installation are in work, with installation scheduled to begin tomorrow. Auxiliary Power Unit leak and functional tests are complete.
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Shuttle Columbia awaits its roll out to Pad 39A in preparation for its launch scheduled for Jan. 16 for the Spacehab microgravity research mission. The orbiter was mated to its twin Solid Rocket Boosters and External Tank on Nov. 20.
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Atlantis continues to be processed for its March launch to the International Space Station.

Orbiter Maneuvering System thruster changeout is complete. The Orbiter Docking System was stowed on Friday, Nov. 22 after completion of a successful functional test. 

Auxiliary Power Unit leak and functional tests are in work.
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Post-flight inspections from STS-112 continue in preparation for STS-114, scheduled to launch early next year. Dome mounted heat shield removal is complete and flowliner inspections are in work.

The Forward Reaction Control System will be removed on Wednesday.
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Post-flight inspections from STS-112 continue in preparation for STS-114, scheduled to launch early next year. Main engine removal is complete.
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Post-flight inspections from STS-112 continue in preparation for STS-114, scheduled to launch early next year. Heat shields have been removed with engine removal scheduled for Tuesday.
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Post-flight inspections from STS-112 continue in preparation for STS-114, scheduled to launch early next year. Engineers continue to evaluate a problem on STS-112 that prevented the detonation of one of two sets of small explosives that release bolts that hold the Shuttle's solid rocket boosters to the launch platform and release ground connections to the external tank. This system did not operate as designed at liftoff. A second redundant system fired normally and all pyrotechnic bolts were safely released. Engineers continue evaluating systems on Atlantis, including the onboard Master Events Controller, wiring and connections related to the pyrotechnics as part of the investigation. Testing continues on related equipment on the Mobile Launcher Platform. The analysis has not yet reached a conclusion, although some ground equipment is being replaced as a precaution.
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Atlantis landed at KSC on Friday following a successful mission to install the S1 truss segment to the International Space Station. The orbiter's thermal protection system sustained a total of 107 hits of which 25 had a major dimension of 1-inch or larger, well within what is considered the normal range. Tire and brake inspections revealed nothing out of the ordinary. Post-flight inspections are in work to prepare Atlantis for its next mission to the International Space Station.

Engineers continue to evaluate a problem that prevented the detonation of one of two sets of small explosives that release bolts that hold the Shuttle's solid rocket boosters to the launch platform and release ground connections to the external tank. This system did not operate as designed at liftoff of STS-112. A second redundant system fired normally and all pyrotechnic bolts were safely released. 

Engineers are checking systems on Atlantis, including the onboard Master Events Controller, wiring and connections related to the pyrotechnics as part of the investigation. Checks of related equipment on the Mobile Launcher Platform also are ongoing. The analysis has not yet reached a conclusion, although some ground equipment is being replaced as a precaution.
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