Mission: STS-114 - 17^th ISS Flight (LF1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module
Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)
Location: Pad 39B
Launch Date: July 13, 3:51 p.m. EDT
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Collins, Kelly, Noguchi, Robinson, Thomas, Lawrence and Camarda
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

At Launch Pad 39B, final preparations for the launch of Discovery's Return to Flight mission to the International Space Station continue.  Launch countdown preparations have begun in firing room 3 of the Launch Control Center in anticipation of the countdown beginning on Sunday at 6 p.m. at the T-43 hour mark.

Stowing of the flight crew equipment lockers into the orbiter mid-deck is underway and will continue tomorrow. Mid-deck flight seats will be installed on Monday. Ordnance installation is complete. Aft closeouts continue and are scheduled to be complete tomorrow. Drag chute instrumentation checkout is complete.

Loading of hypergolic propellants is complete. This process includes loading the propellants monomethyl hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide into the Orbiter Maneuvering System and the Forward Reaction Control System. Today, the hypergolic pressurization of the propellant systems was completed.

Friday, the pad structure and surface will be washed down in preparation for flight. Also tomorrow, the new wing leading edge sensors that will monitor impacts or temperature changes will be programmed for flight. 

NASA weather officers are tracking Hurricane Dennis and its possible impact at Kennedy Space Center. The current forecast shows only a slight chance of more than 40 knot winds effecting KSC on Saturday. A decision will be made this evening if preparations should begin for a possible rollback of Space Shuttle Discovery. A decision on rollback would not be made until tomorrow. At this point, none of the preparations will impact the July 13 launch date. 

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Friday, July 01, 2005 (12:00 am EST)

Yesterday, the Space Shuttle Program concluded a two-day Flight Readiness Review meeting by announcing a launch date of July 13, 2005. The next major review of launch readiness will occur two days before launch (L-2) when the Mission Management Team meets to give the final authorization for launch.

At Launch Pad 39B, final preparations for the launch of Discovery are under way. Loading of hypergolic propellants continued and should be completed this weekend. This process includes loading the propellants monomethyl hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide into the Orbiter Maneuvering System and Forward Reaction Control System. 

The STS-114 flight crew visited the pad yesterday to perform an inspection for sharp edges in the orbiter. After the crew inspection was complete, a payload contamination walkdown was performed, closeout photos were taken and the payload bay doors were closed for flight.

All four Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMUs) (1, 2) have been installed in the orbiter. The EMU spacesuits will be worn by the flight crew during the three spacewalks that are scheduled during the mission.
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Next week, the Flight Readiness Review (FRR) will be held on June 29 and 30, and a launch date could be selected at the end of the review.
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Friday, June 17, 2005 (12:00 am EST)

On Wednesday, Discovery was rolled out to Launch Pad 39B by a giant Crawler Transporter. The four-mile journey began at 1:58 a.m., and the Space Shuttle arrived more than 10 hours later at 12:17 p.m. The Crawler Transporter, which has a top speed of about one mph, traveled even slower than normal. It stopped frequently so engineers could address overheating bearings. 

The payload canister, including NASA's Italian-built Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, was transferred to the launch pad on June 13. The payload bay doors were opened yesterday in preparation for payload installation in the payload bay today. Following installation, payload connections are scheduled for this weekend, and payload/orbiter interface testing will begin early next week.

Preparations have begun for loading of hypergolic propellants, currently scheduled for June 22. This process includes loading the propellants, monomethyl hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide, into the Orbiter Maneuvering System and the Forward Reaction Control System.
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In the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), orbiter Discovery was demated,or removed, from its External Tank (ET-120) and Solid Rocket Boosters in high bay 1 on June 2. Discovery was lowered by crane onto the Orbiter Transporter System in the VAB transfer aisle.

The vehicle will be moved in front of high bay 3 in preparation for being lifted and attached to its new tank, ET-121, on June 6. That tank was originally scheduled to fly with Atlantis on the second Return to Flight mission, STS-121. A new heater was added to the tank's feedline bellows, part of the pipeline that carries the liquid oxygen to the orbiter's main engines, to minimize the potential for ice and frost buildup.

Once mated to the new tank, technicians will work final closeouts on the fully assembled Space Shuttle stack, and perform liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen electrical mates and an interface verification test. Discovery is currently scheduled to return to Launch Pad 39B on June 13.
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Space Shuttle Discovery is back in the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). It was rolled back from Launch Pad 39B yesterday. First motion occurred at 6:44 a.m. Discovery, carried by a Crawler Transporter, entered the VAB at 4:30 p.m. following a 10-hour trip. The rollback was briefly interrupted due to a bearing issue on the Crawler Transporter when it was a third of a mile from the VAB. The 4.2-mile journey was the 15th rollback in Space Shuttle Program history.

Rollback had been postponed two days to allow technicians to perform borescope inspections of the retract link assembly in Discovery's landing gear door. The inspection took place on the left-hand assembly and did not identify any cracks. The closeout photos of the right-hand assembly were reviewed and showed no cracks. Following the inspections, Discovery underwent tests of its Auxiliary Power Units on Wednesday.

Preparations are under way to demate, or remove, Discovery from its External Tank (ET-120) and Solid Rocket Boosters on May 31. Once Discovery has been lowered onto the Orbiter Transporter System in the VAB transfer aisle, it will be moved in front of high bay 3 in preparation for being lifted and attached to ET-121 on June 7.

ET-121 was originally scheduled to fly with Atlantis on the second Return to Flight mission, STS-121. In the VAB, a new heater was added to ET-121 on the feedline bellows, part of the pipeline that carries the liquid oxygen to the orbiter's main engines. The heater is designed to minimize the potential for ice and frost buildup. Final work is ongoing, including pull tests to ensure the heater is bonded properly and Thermal Protection System foam spray closeouts. The heater work is set to be completed in time for the orbiter to be attached on June 7. Discovery will roll back out to Launch Pad 39B in mid-June.

The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello was transferred back to the Space Station Processing Facility to allow the mission processing team access to address concerns with fasteners inside the module that do not have an adequate running torque to act as a secondary locking feature. The assessment and additional work is being conducted to ensure that the fasteners do not disengage during ascent. Raffaello's hatch is scheduled to be opened on May 31. The additional tasks will not impact the STS-114 launch planning window. ______________________________________________

Technicians are preparing to roll Space Shuttle Discovery from the launch pad to the Vehicle Assembly Building, now scheduled for early morning on Thursday, May 26. Once there, orbiter Discovery will be demated, or removed, from its External Tank (ET) and lowered into the transfer aisle. On or about June 7, Discovery will be lifted and attached to its new ET and Solid Rocket Boosters. Discovery is expected to be rolled back out to the pad in mid-June.

Engineers are also investigating part of Discovery's main landing gear door, after a small crack was found last week in a retract link assembly on the right-hand main landing gear on orbiter Atlantis in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1. The Atlantis assembly was removed and will be replaced with a spare. Engineers have looked at the closeout photos of the link assembly on Discovery. The initial review indicates the link assembly does not appear to have any cracks. To ensure there are no cracks in the assemblies, technicians will enter Discovery's payload bay and perform borescope inspections of the area, an inspection that can only be accomplished at the pad. This additional work does not impact the launch planning window of July 13-31.

Following the inspections, Discovery will undergo hot-fire tests of its Auxiliary Power Units, currently scheduled for Wednesday.
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At Launch Pad 39B, an External Tank (ET) tanking test is being performed today for the Return to Flight (STS-114) mission to the International Space Station. The test involves the ground operations team at Kennedy Space Center filling the ET with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellants. The team evaluates how the tank, Orbiter, Solid Rocket Boosters and ground systems perform under "cryo-load," when the tank is filled with the two ultra-low-temperature propellants. The tank filling and draining portion of the test is about 11 hours and includes a simulated countdown through the T minus 31 second hold.

Prior to the test, engineers and technicians added new instrumentation to the tank to help troubleshoot two issues that arose during a tanking test on April 14. The instrumentation will provide data to analyze the liquid hydrogen sensors that gave intermittent readings and the liquid hydrogen pressurization relief valve that cycled more times than standard during last month's test.  On Monday, Discovery will undergo hot-fire tests of its Auxiliary Power Units. 

Technicians are preparing to roll Space Shuttle Discovery to the Vehicle Assembly Building on May 24. Once there, orbiter Discovery will be detached from its ET and lowered into the transfer aisle. On or about June 7, Discovery will be lifted and attached to its new ET and Solid Rocket Boosters, and finally, rolled back out to the pad in mid-June.

In the Vehicle Assembly Building, ET-121 was moved on Thursday from the checkout cell (1, 2, 3) and attached to its Solid Rocket Boosters in high bay 3. The move was postponed one day to troubleshoot an issue with the crane. While the sling was being attached on Wednesday, the crane moved and caused a minor foam scrape (3/4-inch) on the intertank area. The small area will be repaired in the integration cell. A new heater will be added to the feedline bellows (1) to minimize the potential for ice and frost buildup.
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Work continues at Launch Pad 39B in preparation for an External Tank (ET) tanking test scheduled for no earlier than May 19 for the STS-114 mission to the International Space Station.  Engineers and technicians are adding instrumentation to the tank to help troubleshoot two issues that arose during a tanking test on April 14.

The instrumentation will provide data to analyze the liquid hydrogen sensors that gave intermittent readings and the liquid hydrogen pressurization relief valve that cycled more times than standard during last month's test.

The tanking test involves the ground operations team at Kennedy Space Center filling the ET with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen fuel.  The team evaluates how the tank, orbiter, Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) and ground systems perform under "cryo-load," when the tank is filled with the two ultra-low temperature fuels. The tank filling and draining portion of the test will take about 11 hours and includes a simulated countdown through the T minus 31 second hold. However, the total length of the test operations at KSC will take approximately 48 hours.

Following the tanking test, technicians will begin preparations for rolling back Space Shuttle Discovery to the Vehicle Assembly Building by the end of the month. Once there, orbiter Discovery will be destacked (removed) from its ET and lowered into the transfer aisle. 

In the Vehicle Assembly Building, preparations of ET-121 are currently taking place in the checkout cell. Final checkout of the vent valve assembly is complete. The change-out of the liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen diffusers is complete. Following the ET/SRB mate review next week, the tank will be moved from the checkout cell. and attached to the SRBs in the integration cell. 

Once in the integration cell, a new heater will be added to the feedline bellows to minimize the potential for ice and frost buildup. It will take about 24 days to perform the modification.

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Following Space Shuttle Program management discussions this week, a plan was laid out today reflecting how the program will move toward the STS-114 Return to Flight launch.  

Preparations are under way for a tanking test no earlier than the week of May 15 to continue troubleshooting two issues that arose during another tanking test on April 14. Engineers are evaluating the liquid hydrogen sensors in the tank that gave intermittent readings during last month's test. These sensors serve as fuel gauges to notify the Space Shuttle Main Engines to shut down when propellants reach a certain level in the tank.

This is critical in the safe operation of the main engines. Engineers are continuing to evaluate a liquid hydrogen pressurization relief valve that cycled more times during the tanking test than is standard. This valve opens and closes to ensure the liquid hydrogen stays at the correct temperature. 

Following the tanking test, technicians will begin preparations for rolling Space Shuttle Discovery back to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Once in the VAB, orbiter Discovery most likely will be removed (destacked) from its External Tank (ET) and lowered into the transfer aisle. This will be the eighth time in the program's history that a destacking will be performed following a rollback.

In parallel, the External Tank (ET-121) and Solid Rocket Boosters scheduled to fly with orbiter Atlantis on mission STS-121, is being prepared to fly with Discovery on mission STS-114. The preparation of ET-121 currently is ongoing in the VAB's checkout cell. A new heater will be added to the feedline bellows to minimize the potential for ice and frost buildup. This heater modification kit arrived yesterday from the tank manufacturing plant in New Orleans and will be  installed over the next 24 days. Once Discovery returns to the pad, another tanking test may be performed to test the new modifications.

This week, the STS-114 crew participated in the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. This provides the crew and ground teams of each mission an opportunity to participate in various simulated countdown activities, including equipment familiarization and emergency egress training.
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On Wednesday, following the Space Shuttle Program's Design Certification Review (DCR) the previous day, senior management identified May 22 as the target launch date for STS-114 in the May 15 - June 3 launch window. This will allow additional time to complete the required engineering analysis, validation and verification testing of the Shuttle for a safe Return to Flight.

Work continues at Launch Pad 39B for Discovery's launch to the International Space Station (ISS). The payload bay doors were opened Tuesday and the Remote Manipulator System, or Shuttle arm, and the Orbiter Boom Sensor System clearance checks are complete. Flight readiness tests have been successfully performed on all three Space Shuttle Main Engines.

This weekend, technicians will finalize work to prepare for loading the hypergolic propellants for flight. This process includes loading the propellants, monomethyl hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide, into the Orbiter Maneuvering System and the Forward Reaction Control System. On April 28, the Rotating Service Structure will be rotated away from the vehicle in preparation for hot-fire tests of the Auxiliary Power Units on Discovery and the right-hand Solid Rocket Booster Hydraulic Power Unit.

Two of the payloads that will travel to the ISS were installed into the Payload Transportation Canister this week in preparation for their move to Launch Pad 39B. The External Stowage Platform-2 (ESP-2) was installed on Tuesday and the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier (LMC) was installed on Wednesday. The ESP-2 will carry replacement parts to the Station and will be deployed and attached to the Station's airlock as a permanent spare-parts facility. The LMC will carry a replacement Control Moment Gyroscope and a tile repair sample test kit. The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello is scheduled to be installed on Monday, with transfer to the pad scheduled to occur at the end of next week.
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Friday, April 15, 2005 (12:00 am EST)

Space Shuttle Discovery rolled out to Launch Pad 39B atop a Crawler Transporter on April 7. The vehicle will undergo final connections for launch, and the payload will be installed.

On Thursday, the launch team successfully performed an 11-hour External Tank integrated tanking test. The test also readied Discovery's main propulsion system, allowed technicians operating the hardware to gain first-hand experience on the redesigned tank, and allowed crews to evaluate the overall operation of ground systems in preparation for launch of Discovery's Return to Flight mission (STS-114) planned for next month.

In the Space Station Processing Facility, the hatch of Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello was closed and sealed for flight on Thursday. The module will carry 12 racks filled with food, clothing, spare parts and research equipment to the International Space Station. Raffaello, along with the External Stowage Platform-2 and the Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure, is scheduled to be installed into its payload canister by the end of the month in preparation for transfer to the launch pad.

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In the Space Station Processing Facility, cargo stowage installation into the MPLM Raffaello continues in preparation for MPLM hatch closure scheduled for mid-April. Raffaello will carry supplies such as food, clothing and spare parts to the International Space Station.

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Technicians in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 make final preparations for Discovery's rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) on Monday, March 28. The work is completed in the payload bay on the fasteners in the wire trays that were causing minor chafing on the tubing surrounding the wires. The wire tray covers were removed, the chafe protection added, and then borescope inspections were performed to ensure there was clearance between the fasteners and the wires.

The payload bay doors were closed today, following payload bay cleaning, final radiator inspections and completion of closeout photography. The payload bay doors will be reopened at the launch pad for the installation of the payload, the Italian-built Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) Raffaello. 

Discovery will be powered down tomorrow in preparation for its rollover. The aft area of the vehicle where the Space Shuttle Main Engines and Main Propulsion System are located is closed out for flight. Over the weekend, technicians will remove the ground support equipment stands from the vehicle and take final vehicle weight and center of gravity measurements. Discovery will be loaded on the Orbiter Transporter System on Sunday.

Once Discovery arrives in the VAB, a sling will lift and lower the vehicle between its twin Solid Rocket Boosters and Discovery will be mated, or attached, to its redesigned External Tank. Once mated, the fully assembled Space Shuttle stack will undergo final closeouts including installation of the new digital camera in the orbiter, electrical and mechanical attachments, umbilical checks, and the interface verification test.

In the Space Station Processing Facility, cargo stowage installation into the MPLM Raffaello continues in preparation for MPLM hatch closure scheduled for mid-April. Raffaello will carry supplies such as food, clothing and spare parts to the International Space Station.  The STS-114 crew participated in the Payload Crew Equipment Interface Test on March 18. The crew performed equipment interface fit checks of the Thermal Protection System repair sample box, the Control Moment Gyroscope and the External Stowage Platform-2 in preparation for the mission's three scheduled spacewalks. The crew also inspected the resupply stowage containers installed in Raffaello.
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Friday, March 18, 2005 (12:00 am EST)

In Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) bay 3, final processing work continues on Discovery in preparation for its rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) and mating, or attaching, to its Solid Rocket Boosters and External Tank. The rollover milestone is moving to March 27 (previously March 22), due to additional work needed on wiring in the payload bay and on the main and nose landing gear doors. Because work is scheduled to end late that day, rollover could take place the morning of March 28. If the work is completed safely and correctly, the orbiter could be moved to the VAB earlier than March 27.

On orbiter Endeavour, wiring was found in a cable tray in the payload bay that showed the fasteners were causing minor chafing on the tubing surrounding the wires. Boroscope inspections of wire trays on Discovery are complete, and some wires will require additional work.  The wire tray covers will be removed and chafe protection will be added. Work on the seal installations and cycle checks on the main and nose landing gear doors is almost complete.

Installation of resupply stowage racks in the Italian-built Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM), Raffaello was completed on Monday. Installation of the resupply stowage bags continues in preparation for MPLM hatch closure, currently scheduled for mid-April. Installation of a Control Moment Gyro (CMG) onto a Lightweight Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier was completed on March 14. During the mission, a spacewalk will be performed to replace an inoperable CMG.
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Final processing work continues in Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) bay 3 on orbiter Discovery for its Return to Flight mission, designated STS-114, to the International Space Station. In preparation for the rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) this month, technicians are completing final closeouts of the payload bay and cleaning it for the final closing of its doors next week.

Seal installations and cycle checks continue on the main and nose landing gear doors. All work associated with the Rudder Speed Brake is complete for flight, including the final strip and tab installations, and painting and Thermal Protection System blanket bonding on the vertical stabilizer.

In the VAB, final closeouts of both the External Tank and the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) continue in preparation for orbiter rollover and Discovery being mated, or attached, to the tank. The upgraded SRB bolt catchers were installed this week. A bolt catcher is a vertical bolt mechanism at the forward end that attaches each booster to the tank. At approximately two minutes into launch, SRB separation begins when pyrotechnic devices fire to break the 25-inch, 62-pound steel bolts. One half of the bolt is caught in canister-like "bolt catchers" located on the tank; the other half remains with the boosters. Discovery is flying with a modified bolt catcher, which was upgraded from a two-piece welded design to a one-piece, machine-made design. Eliminating the weld makes a structurally stronger bolt catcher design.

Installation of resupply stowage racks into the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello in preparation for flight began on March 4 and is scheduled to be complete next week. The Human Research Facility-2 (HRF-2) science rack was installed on Tuesday and post-installation closeouts were completed the next day. Raffaello will hold a variety of supplies including food, clothing and spare parts for the Space Station. The HRF-2 will provide additional biomedical instrumentation and research capabilities for the Station and will be installed in the U.S. Laboratory, Destiny.
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Friday, March 04, 2005 (12:00 am EST)

Technicians continue to process orbiter Discovery in preparation for the rollover to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) later this month.  In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, orbiter system testing is nearly complete on Discovery for its mission, designated STS-114, to the International Space Station.

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 (data sheet) 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)

In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3, orbiter system testing is 96 percent complete on Discovery for its mission, designated STS-114, to the International Space Station. Final work and closeouts are progressing well in preparation for Discovery's roll over to the Vehicle Assembly Building mid-March.

The payload bay doors are scheduled to be closed on Monday for installation of a few remaining door- hinge carrier panels. The payload bay doors will then be opened to verify correct placement of the carrier panels. Once this is complete, the payload bay doors will be closed the final time next week for flight. Work continues on seal installation on the main and nose landing-gear doors, and will be followed by functional tests to ensure the proper compression of the doors.

In the Vehicle Assembly Building, paint and cork repairs are complete on the Solid Rocket Boosters' (SRBs) aft inactive stub ring, an attach ring surrounding the booster located about 10 feet below the External Tank (ET) attach point. The ET is scheduled to be moved from the checkout cell to the integration cell and mated, or attached, to the twin SRBs on Monday.

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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.(1, 2, 3) 

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.  
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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 this weekend.

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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