Space Shuttle Processing Status Report: S04-08

SHUTTLE NEWS

Shuttle Processing Continues Towards Return To Flight

NASA is currently spending ten billion dollars to make sure it can do this again.

KSC - Apr 22, 2004
Discovery passed two important processing milestones this week, as progress continues in preparation for the Return to Flight mission, STS-114, to the International Space Station. The left-hand Orbital Maneuvering System pod was installed yesterday. The nose cap could be reinstalled as early as tomorrow.

The nose cap was removed from the vehicle in the summer of 2003 and returned to the vendor, where it underwent numerous forms of Non-Destructive Evaluation. The tests included X-rays, ultrasound and eddy current to ensure structural integrity prior to installation on the vehicle.

The nose cap was also recoated. When returned to KSC, new Thermal Protection System (TPS) blankets were assembled inside the nose cap and thermography was performed to document preflight conditions.

Atlantis is powered up in support of mission processing to prepare the Space Shuttle for flight to the International Space Station. Preparations continue for Rudder Speed Brake actuator removal. Panel removal is scheduled for early next month, followed shortly by actuator removal.

Build up of all 22 of the left-hand T-seals, the C-shaped seals that fit between each panel on the wings, is complete, and 19 have been installed. Right-hand panel assembly is ongoing, with eight of the 22 completed.

Endeavour is in Orbiter Major Modification (OMM) period, which began in December 2003. Structural and wire inspections in support of the OMM continue in the forward, mid-body and aft.

X-rays of the four Rudder Speed Brake actuators, which were removed from the vehicle, showed all of the gears were correctly installed. The actuators were shipped to the vendor for a complete inspection. The vendor will begin inspections with actuators No. 1 and 3, followed by No. 2 and 4.

SPACEMART

Coachmen RV Offers KVH TracVision On New Motorhomes

Middletown - Apr 07, 2004
Coachmen Recreational Vehicles will offer KVH's TracVision LF in-motion satellite TV antenna and TracVision SF stationary automatic satellite TV antenna as optional equipment on all new Sportcoach Elite diesel motorhomes.

Thanks for being here; We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain. With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords. Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year. If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor $5 Billed Once credit card or paypal		SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter $5 Billed Monthly paypal only

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.