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Space Shuttle Processing Status Reports


Waspie_Dwarf

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NASA produces regular updates (usually about once a week) on the status of the Space Shuttle, the International Space Station and Expendable Launch Vehicles. I posted these on the Spaceflight News site. With the demise of that site I will continue the threads in this forum.

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March 31, 2006
Joe Pally

Headquarters, Washington

(202) 358-7239

Jessica Rye

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

(321) 867-2468

STATUS REPORT: S06-011

NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report: S06-011

NASA's space shuttle fleet is housed and processed at Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

Mission: STS-121 - 18th International Space Station Flight (ULF1.1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)

Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3

Launch Date: Launch Planning Window July 1-19, 2006

Launch Pad:39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Final powered-up systems testing and area closeouts continue in preparation for Discovery's move to the Vehicle Assembly Building no earlier than May 12. Final closeouts on the shuttle's main engines continue with thermal protection system foaming operations around them. Engine configuration for rollover was performed Thursday, which was followed by platform removal and final inspections.

Work continues on the thermal protection system and thermal barriers for the nose landing gear. The landing gear functional test is set for next week. The lower section of the remote manipulator system, or shuttle arm, returned to Kennedy today following repairs by the vendor in Canada. Shuttle technicians inadvertently damaged the arm slightly March 4. The arm will be retested prior to reinstallation.

Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A) - P3/P4 Solar Arrays

Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)

Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1

Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians continue performing powered-up system testing on Atlantis for its mission to the International Space Station. Water coolant loop servicing continues following the removal and replacement of the water coolant loop No. 2 pump package.

Preparations began today for the orbiter boom sensor system's installation into Atlantisโ€™ payload bay on Monday. The 50-foot-long boom attaches to the shuttle arm and is one of the new safety measures added prior to Return to Flight last year. It equips the orbiter with cameras and laser systems to inspect the shuttleโ€™s heat shield while in space.

Endeavour (OV-105)

Powered-up system testing continues on Endeavour in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2 following an extensive modification period. Work continues in preparation for the external airlock's installation into the payload bay, which is set for next week.

On April 3, technicians will begin operations to install the reinforced carbon-carbon nose cap. Rigging operations continue on the manipulator positioning mechanisms, which support the remote manipulator system and orbiter boom sensor system. The mechanisms serve as pedestals that hold the shuttle arm and boom in the payload bay.

External Tank

Work is under way in the Vehicle Assembly Building checkout cell on the external tank that will fly on mission STS-121. Technicians are removing and replacing the tank's four liquid hydrogen engine cutoff sensors, which indicate whether the tank still has fuel during its climb to orbit.

On Monday, technicians began removing thermal protection system foam around the bottom of the tank in an area known as the โ€œmanhole.โ€ The manhole was removed Tuesday to allow technicians to gain access into the tank, and on Thursday the sensors and mounting bracket were removed. The sensors were shipped back to the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans for inspection.

Work is also under way to install a new gaseous oxygen vent valve under the nose cap of the tank. While technicians were beginning to work around the nose cap area this week, a light stand that was being repositioned fell, contacting the tank. The lamp struck the composite nosecone and adjacent foam insulation, causing minor damage. Any repairs will be performed in the Vehicle Assembly Building checkout cell.

For previous space shuttle processing status reports on the Web, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

- end -

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Source: NASA - Shuttle Status 06-011

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  • Waspie_Dwarf

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  • truthorder

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  • starexplorer

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Waspie, just a question to you.

In your estimation, how long do you think we will still use the shuttle? And also, how long do you think it will be before we come up with a "next generation" (for lack of a better term) reusable vehicle?

Edited by truthorder
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President Bush has ordered that the shuttle will be retired in 2010. The replacement is a vehicle called the Crew Exploration Vehicle (which is very much like Apollo mark 2). This is due to make it's first flight around 2012.

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April 7, 2006
Joe Pally

Headquarters, Washington

(202) 358-7239

Jessica Rye

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

(321) 867-2468

STATUS REPORT: S06-012

NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report: S06-012

NASA's space shuttle fleet is housed and processed at Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

Mission: STS-121 - 18th ISS Flight (ULF1.1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)

Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3

Launch Date: Launch Planning Window July 1-19, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Final area closeouts continue in preparation for Discovery's move to the Vehicle Assembly Building and then to the launch pad for its mission to the International Space Station. Technicians plan to power up Discovery on Saturday to support the aft area structural leak test and orbiter compartment positive pressure test.

Final cleaning operations of the environmental control and life support system bay continue in preparation for closeout prior to flight. Work continues on the nose and main landing gear prior to the final functional test.

Mission: STS-115 - 19th ISS Flight (12A) - P3/P4 Solar Arrays

Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)

Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1

Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians continue performing powered-up system testing on Atlantis for its mission to the International Space Station. Water coolant loop servicing is complete following the replacement of the water coolant loop No. 2 pump package. Technicians also successfully performed compression testing on the water coolant pump.

The orbiter boom sensor system was installed in the payload bay of Atlantis on Monday. The 50-foot-long boom attaches to the remote manipulator system, or shuttle arm, and is one of the new safety measures added prior to the Return to Flight. It equips the orbiter with cameras and laser systems to inspect the space shuttleโ€™s heat shield while in space.

Endeavour (OV-105)

Powered-up system testing continues on Endeavour in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 following an extensive modification period. On Wednesday, technicians installed Endeavour's reinforced carbon-carbon nose cap.

Endeavour's external airlock was installed in the payload bay on Thursday. The airlock is located in the shuttle's middeck and permits flight crew members to transfer from the middeck crew compartment into the payload bay for extravehicular activities in their space suits without depressurizing the orbiter crew cabin.

External Tank

Work is under way in the Vehicle Assembly Building checkout cell on the external tank that will fly with Discovery on mission STS-121. Last weekend, technicians removed and replaced the tank's four liquid hydrogen engine cutoff sensors, which indicate whether the tank still has fuel during its climb to orbit. They also installed a new gaseous oxygen vent valve under the nose cap of the tank.

With the change out of the sensors complete, the access cover on the bottom of the tank called the "manhole" was reinstalled. On April 11, the tank will be lifted from the checkout cell and placed horizontally on the transporter in the transfer aisle. Once in the transfer aisle, technicians will reapply the thermal protection system foam that had to be removed in order to perform the sensor change out.

For previous space shuttle processing status reports visit:

www.nasa.gov/shuttle

- end -

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

Source: NASA - Shuttle Status 06-012

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April 14, 2006
Joe Pally

Headquarters, Washington

(202) 358-7239

Jessica Rye

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

(321) 867-2468

STATUS REPORT: S06-013

NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report: S06-013

NASA's space shuttle fleet is housed and processed at Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

Mission: STS-121 - 18th ISS Flight (ULF1.1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)

Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3

Launch Date: Launch Planning Window July 1-19, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians continue closing out areas of Discovery prior to its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building, scheduled for May 12. The right and left payload bay doors were opened earlier in the week in preparation for reinstallation of the remote manipulator system, or "shuttle arm." The arm was transported from the lab in the Vehicle Assembly Building to the processing facility on Wednesday and installed in the vehicle today.

Friday program managers determined the space shuttle main engine in position No. 2 will need to be replaced due to the possibility of a crack in a solder joint in the controller. During the certification of similar controllers, engineers observed cracking after thermal testing of the units. The engine replacement has no impact on the overall processing schedule.

Mission: STS-115 - 19th ISS Flight (12A) - P3/P4 Solar Arrays

Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)

Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1

Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians continue performing powered-up system testing on Atlantis for its mission to the International Space Station. The external tank door functional test is scheduled for early next week.

Crane operations removed and reinstalled the orbiter boom sensor system in the payload bay of Atlantis on Wednesday for additional work on the manipulator positioning mechanisms. The positioning mechanisms are the pedestals that hold the boom in place in the payload bay while the boom is not in use. The 50-foot-long boom attaches to the shuttle arm and is one of the new safety measures added prior to the Return to Flight mission that launched in July 2005.

Endeavour (OV-105)

Powered-up system testing continues on Endeavour in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 following an extensive modification period. On Thursday, leak checks and functional tests were completed on the liquid oxygen portion of the main propulsion system.

Technicians continue working on the positioning mechanisms for Endeavour's remote manipulator system in preparation for the arm's installation in the payload bay.

External Tank

Final closeouts continue in the Vehicle Assembly Building on the external tank that will fly with Discovery on mission STS-121. On Tuesday, crane operators lifted the tank from the checkout cell and placed it in a horizontal position on the transporter in the transfer aisle. Lockheed Martin employees are completing final work required to close out the aft area of the tank in preparation for thermal protection system foam application, scheduled for late next week.

Once the foam application is complete, the tank will be lifted from the transporter and attached to the two solid rocket boosters already stacked in high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building. That move is scheduled for April 24.

For previous space shuttle processing status reports visit:

www.nasa.gov/shuttle

- end -

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Source: NASA - Shuttle Status 06-013

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  • 2 weeks later...

April 28, 2006
Katherine Trinidad

Headquarters, Washington

(202) 358-7239

Jessica Rye

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

(321) 867-2468

STATUS REPORT: S06-014

NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report: S06-014

NASA's space shuttle fleet is housed and processed at Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

Mission: STS-121 - 18th ISS Flight (ULF1.1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)

Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3

Launch Date: Launch Planning Window July 1-19, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians continue closing out areas of Discovery before it is moved to the Vehicle Assembly Building on May 12. The payload bay doors were closed on Wednesday for the final time prior to flight.

Last week, technicians removed the space shuttle main engine in position No. 2 and replaced it with a new one. Engine leak checks were successfully completed on Tuesday. Interface verification tests were completed for sensors No. 1 and 2 on the new orbiter boom sensor system.

Mission: STS-115 - 19th ISS Flight (12A) - P3/P4 Solar Arrays

Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)

Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1

Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians are performing powered-up system testing on Atlantis for its mission to the International Space Station. Technicians continue installing tires on the shuttle's main landing gear.

Work continues on the alignment of the manipulator positioning mechanisms. The positioning mechanisms are the pedestals that hold the orbiter boom sensor system in place in the payload bay while the boom is not in use. Thermal protection system tile, blanket and gap filler work is ongoing.

Endeavour (OV-105)

Powered-up system testing continues on Endeavour in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 following an extensive modification period. Technicians completed ammonia system leak and functional testing on Wednesday and Thursday.

Technicians worked on external airlock fluid line connections late last week and will begin leak checks today.

External Tank

In the Vehicle Assembly Building, final thermal protection system foam application was completed last week on the aft end of the tank following the change-out of the four liquid hydrogen engine cut-off sensors. On Monday, crane operators lifted the tank from a horizontal position on the transporter and placed it between the twin solid rocket boosters already stacked in High Bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building.

The Space Shuttle Program management decided Thursday to fly the ice/frost ramps in their current configuration. The rationale for doing so was based on several factors. The past ramp performance, although not desirable, was acceptable. Proposed ramp design changes could introduce more uncertainty instead of reducing the known risk. New cameras will allow us better insight into the current ramps performance which will help in the redesign effort. Flying the current ice/frost ramps limits the design changes on the tank, which has already undergone a significant redesign with the removal of the protuberance air load (PAL) ramp. Shuttle engineers will have a better environment to gather data by flying with only one aerodynamic change to the tank.

For previous space shuttle processing status reports visit:

www.nasa.gov/shuttle

- end -

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Source: NASA - Shuttle Status 06-014

Edited by Waspie_Dwarf
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May 5, 2006
Joe Pally

Headquarters, Washington

(202) 358-7239

Jessica Rye

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

(321) 867-2468

STATUS REPORT: S06-015

NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report: S06-015

NASA's space shuttle fleet is housed and processed at Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

Mission: STS-121 - 18th ISS Flight (ULF1.1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)

Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3

Launch Date: Launch Planning Window July 1-19, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians continue final preparations on Discovery prior to its move to the Vehicle Assembly Building. The move is scheduled for May 12. Shuttle program managers will discuss readiness for the move and any final technical details during the Orbiter Rollover Review on May 8.

As a precautionary measure to provide protection from the tin whiskering phenomenon, a reaction jet driver was replaced in an avionics bay and successfully retested early this week. Whiskering is a phenomenon identified decades ago whereby certain metals, primarily tin, zinc and cadmium, develop pure metallic crystalline extrusions.

During retesting of the reaction jet driver replacement, an unrelated problem was discovered in the load control assembly in a line replacement unit box in the forward avionics bay. The remotely controlled assembly provides power to the reaction jet driver. Technicians have replaced the assembly and will retest the equipment over the weekend.

Mission: STS-115 - 19th ISS Flight (12A) - P3/P4 Solar Arrays

Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)

Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1

Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians are carrying out powered-up system testing on Atlantis for its mission to the station. Workers continue to perform water coolant loop samples.

The remote manipulator system, or shuttle robotic arm, is scheduled to be installed early next week. The shuttle arm maneuvers a payload from the payload bay of the orbiter to its deployment position and then releases it. The arm can also grapple a free-flying payload, maneuver it to the payload bay of the orbiter and berth it in the orbiter.

Endeavour (OV-105)

Powered-up system testing continues on Endeavour in Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 following an extensive modification period. Technicians continue completing system leak and functional checks on the liquid oxygen side of the main propulsion system.

Heater checks for the multi-purpose logistics module are complete. The logistics module will be added to the payload bay at the launch pad and will carry supplies and equipment to the station.

External Tank

Following detailed discussions Thursday, Space Shuttle Program management decided that a tanking test of the external fuel tank will not be needed prior to Discovery's STS-121 mission. Managers decided the proposed objectives of the test could be achieved during the actual launch attempt.

Technicians continue to perform final closeouts on the external tank and solid rocket boosters in the Vehicle Assembly Building in preparation for Discovery to be attached to the tank and boosters, or as it's also known, the stack.

For previous space shuttle processing status reports visit:

www.nasa.gov/shuttle

- end -

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

Source: NASA - Shuttle Status 06-015

Edited by Waspie_Dwarf
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May 12, 2006
Katherine Trinidad

Headquarters, Washington

(202) 358-3749

Jessica Rye

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

(321) 867-2468

STATUS REPORT: S06-016

NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report: S06-016

NASA's space shuttle fleet is housed and processed at Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

Mission: STS-121 - 18th ISS Flight (ULF1.1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)

Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3

Launch Date: Launch Planning Window July 1-19, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Discovery was moved today from Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 3 to the Vehicle Assembly Building, a major step toward a launch to the International Space Station. Technicians and crane operators began preparations to lift Discovery into the assembly building's High Bay 3 and attach the shuttle to its external fuel tank and twin solid rocket boosters. After final integration, a crawler transporter is scheduled to carry Discovery to the launch pad May 19.

Discovery was scheduled to move Thursday, but a sheared left-hand jack screw on the lifting sling in the assembly building postponed the rollover until today. Both the right and left-hand screws were removed and replaced. The replacements were inspected, analyzed, proof loaded and installed on the sling.

The payloads that will launch aboard Discovery were loaded into the payload transportation canister this week and are scheduled to roll out to the launch pad on May 16. Discovery's payloads include the Italian-built logistics module, known as Leonardo, which will carry food, clothing, spare parts and research equipment to the station. Other payloads include two cargo carriers which contain heat shield tile samples, a spare pump module and a replacement mobile transporter reel assembly.

For previous space shuttle processing status reports visit:

www.nasa.gov/shuttle

- end -

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Source: NASA - Shuttle Status 06-016

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  • 1 month later...

An apology for the long gap in updating this thread. NASA stopped placing these reports on it's main website and now only reports them on the KSC website. Now that I know where they are I can keep this thread up to date again.

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05.22.06
Jessica Rye

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

(321) 867-2468

STATUS REPORT: S-052206

NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report

Note: NASA's Kennedy Space Center issues Space Shuttle Processing Status Reports periodically 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:

.

Mission: STS-121 - 18th International Space Station Flight (ULF1.1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)

Location: Launch Pad 39B

Launch Date: Launch Processing Window July 1-19, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

On May 19, the crawler transporter carrying Space Shuttle Discovery left the Vehicle Assembly Building at 12:45 p.m. on its 4.2-mile journey to Launch Pad 39B and arrived nearly eight hours later.

Technicians performed a "hot fire" test of the auxiliary power units on Saturday to ensure they are properly functioning. Later that evening, the rotating service structure was moved back around the vehicle to protect it from potential damage and the elements while at the pad.

Today, the launch team at the pad began preparing for the flight readiness test of the space shuttle main engines. Liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen system leak checks are scheduled for this afternoon. The test will ensure the engine hydraulics are working properly.

The payload arrived at the pad last week. Technicians will open the payload bay doors on the orbiter this afternoon and the payload will be transferred into the payload bay on Tuesday.

For previous space shuttle processing status reports, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

- end -

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

Source: NASA - Shuttle Status S-052206

Edited by Waspie_Dwarf
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05.24.06
Jessica Rye

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

(321) 867-2468

STATUS REPORT: S-052406

NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report

Note: NASA's Kennedy Space Center issues Space Shuttle Processing Status Reports periodically 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:

.

Mission: STS-121 - 18th International Space Station Flight (ULF1.1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)

Location: Launch Pad 39B

Launch Date: Launch Processing Window July 1-19, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Space Shuttle Discovery remains at Launch Pad 39B, and technicians continue performing system testing while the vehicle is powered. The external tank camera test was successfully completed, and the lens cap has been reinstalled until launch.

Tuesday, the launch team conducted the flight readiness test of the space shuttle main engines, as well as the liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen system leak checks. The test ensures the engine hydraulics are properly working.

Technicians also are preparing for the gaseous and liquid hydrogen and oxygen leak checks of the power reactant storage distribution system. The distribution system will be loaded with hydrogen and oxygen next week. The system provides the fuel for the forward reaction control system and the orbiter maneuvering system pods.

The orbiter payload bay doors were opened Tuesday in preparation for the payloads to be installed today. The team continues with other activities including the orbiter weather protection system's activation and the completion of validations of the sound suppression and Firex systems.

- end -

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

Source: NASA - Shuttle Status S-052406

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05.26.06
Jessica Rye

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

(321) 867-2468

STATUS REPORT: S-052606

NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report

Note: NASA's Kennedy Space Center issues Space Shuttle Processing Status Reports periodically 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:

.

Mission: STS-121 - 18th International Space Station Flight (ULF1.1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)

Location: Launch Pad 39B

Launch Date: Launch Processing Window July 1-19, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Technicians continue performing system testing on Space Shuttle Discovery while the vehicle is powered at Launch Pad 39B. Auxiliary power units No. 1 and 3 connections and leak checks were completed, with No. 2 in progress.

The orbiter payloads were installed in Discovery's payload bay on Wednesday. Discovery's payloads include the Italian-built logistics module Leonardo, which will carry food, clothing, spare parts and research equipment to the International Space Station. Other payloads include two cargo carriers which contain heat shield tile samples, a spare pump module and a replacement mobile transporter reel assembly.

There is no significant holiday weekend work planned.

Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A) - P3/P4 Solar Arrays

Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)

Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1

Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, technicians are carrying out powered-up system testing on Atlantis for its mission to the International Space Station. Gaseous nitrogen leak checks are finished in the orbiter's mid-body.

The remote manipulator system, or "shuttle arm," was installed and functional testing has been completed. Workers also finished testing the manipulator positioning mechanisms, which are the pedestals that hold the arm in place in the payload bay during launch and landing.

On Wednesday, the crawler transporter moved mobile launcher platform No. 2 into high bay 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building in preparation for stacking operations to begin for the STS-115 mission. The first solid rocket booster segment is scheduled to be lifted into the high bay next week.

Endeavour (OV-105)

Powered-up system testing continues on Endeavour in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2 following an extensive modification period. Following external airlock installation, the team completed connector mates on Thursday and pick up with the docking system functional next week.

Main propulsion system leak and functional testing continues. Ku-band communications and radar system testing has begun and will be finished following the docking system functional being completed.

- end -

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

Source: NASA - Shuttle Status S-052606

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05.31.06
Jessica Rye

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

(321) 867-2468

STATUS REPORT: S-053106

NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report

Note: NASA's Kennedy Space Center issues Space Shuttle Processing Status Reports periodically 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:

.

Mission: STS-121 - 18th International Space Station Flight (ULF1.1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)

Location: Launch Pad 39B

Launch Date: Launch Processing Window July 1-19, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Over the holiday weekend, technicians performed no significant processing work at the launch pad. Connections and leak checks of auxiliary power units No. 1, 2 and 3 are complete.

Thursday morning, workers will begin prelaunch propellant loading of the monomethyl hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide for the forward reaction control system and the orbital maneuvering system pods. Reaction control system quick disconnect mates and interface leak checks were completed May 26.

Following payload installation into the payload bay last week, the payload bay and payload changeout room doors were closed on Friday.

- end -

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

Source: NASA - Shuttle Status S-053106

Edited by Waspie_Dwarf
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06.02.06
Jessica Rye

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

(321) 867-2468

STATUS REPORT: S-060206

NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report

Note: NASA's Kennedy Space Center issues Space Shuttle Processing Status Reports periodically 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:

.

Mission: STS-121 - 18th International Space Station Flight (ULF1.1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)

Location: Launch Pad 39B

Launch Date: Launch Processing Window July 1-19, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Discovery was powered up to support the prelaunch loading this week of hypergolic propellants into the forward and aft reaction control system and the orbital maneuvering system pods. Fuel loading for the orbiter's auxiliary power units is scheduled for the weekend. Testing of the reaction jet driver - electrical control system for the reaction control system jets - was successfully completed. The loading of hypergolic fuel into the solid rocket booster hydraulic power units is scheduled for next week. On Monday, the payload bay doors will be opened for payload testing and sensor installation in the Orbiter Boom Sensor System.

Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A) - P3/P4 Solar Arrays

Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)

Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1

Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, Atlantis was powered up this week to support payload testing. Early in the week, the auxiliary power controller unit verification testing was successfully completed. Preparations for installing engine No. 3 are finished, with installation scheduled for Monday. Engines No. 1 and No. 2 already are in place on the orbiter.

On Thursday, stacking for STS-115 began with the transfer of the right aft booster segment from the Rotation Processing and Surge Facility to the Vehicle Assembly Building, where it was lifted into high bay 3 and placed on mobile launcher platform No. 2. The left aft booster was transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building and lifted into high bay 3 on Friday.

Endeavour (OV-105)

Powered-up system testing continues on Endeavour in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2 following an extensive modification period. Main propulsion system leak and functional testing continues, and the potable water leak checks also are ongoing. Technicians are performing tests and checkouts of the manipulator positioning mechanisms prior to installing the Orbiter Boom Sensor System. The manipulator positioning mechanisms are the pedestals that support the boom inside the payload bay. On Thursday, workers finished installing hardware in the rudder speed brake, allowing installation of thermal blankets to begin on the brake. The orbiter's drag chute was installed and the drag chute doors will be installed today.

- end -

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

Source: NASA - Shuttle Status S-060206

Edited by Waspie_Dwarf
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06.05.06
Jessica Rye

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

(321) 867-2468

STATUS REPORT: S-060506

NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report

Note: NASA's Kennedy Space Center issues Space Shuttle Processing Status Reports periodically 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:

.

Mission: STS-121 - 18th International Space Station Flight (ULF1.1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)

Location: Launch Pad 39B

Launch Date: Launch Processing Window July 1-19, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

The launch pad crew performed preparations on Space Shuttle Discovery over the weekend to support the launch to the International Space Station in July.

The team has completed prelaunch loading of hypergolic propellants (monomethyl hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide) into the forward and aft reaction control systems and the orbital maneuvering system pods, as well as fuel loading for the orbiter's auxiliary power units. Late this week, workers will begin loading the hypergolic fuel into the solid rocket booster hydraulic power units.

Technicians at the pad are in the process of opening Discovery's payload bay doors. The doors will remain open for about three and a half days for payload testing and sensor installation in the orbiter boom sensor system. Tomorrow, integrated testing of the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo is scheduled to begin.

- end -

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

Source: NASA - Shuttle Status S-060506

Edited by Waspie_Dwarf
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06.07.06
Jessica Rye

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

(321) 867-2468

STATUS REPORT: S-060706

NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report

Note: NASA's Kennedy Space Center issues Space Shuttle Processing Status Reports periodically 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:

.

Mission: STS-121 - 18th International Space Station Flight (ULF1.1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)

Location: Launch Pad 39B

Launch Date: Launch Processing Window July 1-19, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

On Tuesday at the launch pad, Space Shuttle Discovery was powered up for technicians to perform the integrated testing of the multi-purpose logistics module Leonardo, scheduled to fly in the vehicle's payload bay to the International Space Station.

During testing, a problem was detected in left-hand solid rocket booster bus B, which is a power distribution circuit that delivers electrical power from the orbiter to the booster. This caused the system to switch to the backup circuit, bus C. Engineers have determined the integrated electronics assembly failed and needed to be replaced.

Late this week, workers will begin loading the hypergolic fuel into the solid rocket booster hydraulic power units.

External Tank

The external tank scheduled to fly with Atlantis on mission STS-115 departed the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans on Monday. Liberty Star, the solid rocket booster retrieval ship towing the tank, is scheduled to arrive at Port Canaveral on Friday.

- end -

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

Source: NASA - Shuttle Status S-060706

Edited by Waspie_Dwarf
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06.09.06
Jessica Rye

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

(321) 867-2468

STATUS REPORT: S-060906

NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report

Note: NASA's Kennedy Space Center issues Space Shuttle Processing Status Reports periodically 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:

.

Mission: STS-121 - 18th International Space Station Flight (ULF1.1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)

Location: Launch Pad 39B

Launch Date: Launch Processing Window July 1-19, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Work continued at the pad this week to support electrical testing and payload vertical operations on Discovery. On Thursday, the payload bay doors were closed in preparation for fuel loading of the solid rocket boosters. The doors will be reopened on Monday. In the payload bay, the installation of sensors and cameras in the shuttle robotic arm and boom was completed.

Following replacement of a faulty integrated electrical assembly box in the left solid rocket booster, hypergolic fuel loading began today into the solid rocket booster hydraulic power units.

Next week the crew will be at KSC for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test. This is a launch dress rehearsal that occurs prior to each shuttle mission.

Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A) - P3/P4 Solar Arrays

Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)

Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1

Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, engine #3 was installed in Atlantis and leak checks of the system are under way. Testing and checkout of the orbiter boom sensor system is complete. Window #2 was replaced, with plans to replace window #5 next week.

In the Vehicle Assembly Building, stacking of the STS-115 solid rocket boosters continues. The right forward center section was lifted into high bay 3 and onto mobile launcher platform no. 2 on Wednesday.

The external fuel tank for STS-115, ET-118, is scheduled to arrive via barge at the KSC turn basin late this afternoon and will be transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building this evening. It will be lifted into a checkout cell in the VAB this weekend, so that technicians can begin processing the tank for launch.

Endeavour (OV-105)

Powered-up system testing continues on Endeavour in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2 following an extensive modification period. This work includes main propulsion system leak and functional testing and potable water leak checks. The flash evaporator functional testing was completed. The flash evaporator provides supplemental cooling to the orbiter in flight. Technicians began test and checkout of the docking mechanism this week.

Work continues on the orbiter's thermal protection system, with tee seal installation between the reinforced carbon-carbon panels on the wing leading edges and replacement of gap fillers on the underside of Endeavour. To date, approximately 500 new gap fillers have been installed.

- end -

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

Source: NASA - Shuttle Status S-060906

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06.16.06
Tracy Young

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

(321) 867-2468

STATUS REPORT: S-061606

NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report

Note: NASA's Kennedy Space Center issues Space Shuttle Processing Status Reports periodically 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:

.

Mission: STS-121 - 18th International Space Station Flight (ULF1.1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)

Location: Launch Pad 39B

Launch Date: Launch Processing Window July 1-19, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Aft closeout work continues, with technicians performing final cleaning, inspections and installation of panels and thermal blankets on the avionics bays. Mid-body closeouts in the payload bay are scheduled to be completed today and the payload bay doors will be closed for flight this evening. The space shuttle main engine sensor checkouts were completed on Thursday. Flight crew systems workers de-stowed equipment from the crew cabin following completion of the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test on Thursday, and are scheduled to install the extravehicular maneuvering units (the suits worn by shuttle crew members for spacewalks) on Saturday.

NASA managers are meeting at KSC today for the Flight Readiness Review that is expected to culminate in the setting of a launch date on Saturday.

Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A) - P3/P4 Solar Arrays

Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)

Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1

Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, closeout work on Atlantis continues. Window No. 5 was replaced. Preparations for servicing of freon coolant loop No. 2 are under way. The coolant loop is part of the system that cools the avionics bays in the midbody and the aft of the orbiter. Main propulsion system leak checks are complete and the point sensor box was replaced.

In the Vehicle Assembly Building, stacking of the STS-115 solid rocket boosters continues. Mating of the left aft center segment was completed Thursday, and the left forward center segment is scheduled to be lifted into high bay No. 3.

Processing of the external fuel tank, ET-118, continues in the Vehicle Assembly Building. Workers from the Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana are at KSC and will remove and replace the tank's liquid hydrogen engine cutoff sensors, or fuel gauges, next week.

Endeavour (OV-105)

Powered-up system testing continues on Endeavour in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2 following an extensive modification period. Mass spectrometer leak checks were performed this week on the system that provides nitrogen to the crew cabin. Work continues on the orbiter boom sensor system manipulator positioning mechanisms, which are the pedestals that support the boom. Hydrogen tank No. 4 was installed. There are a total of five oxygen tanks and five hydrogen tanks that supply the fuel cells in the orbiter.

- end -

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

Source: NASA - Shuttle Status S-061606

Edited by Waspie_Dwarf
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06.19.06
Tracy Young

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

(321) 867-2468

STATUS REPORT: S-061906

NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report

Note: NASA's Kennedy Space Center issues Space Shuttle Processing Status Reports periodically 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:

.

Mission: STS-121 - 18th International Space Station Flight (ULF1.1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)

Location: Launch Pad 39B

Launch Date: Launch Processing Window July 1-19, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

NASA's Flight Readiness Review was completed Saturday, with managers setting a July 1 launch date.

At Launch Pad 39B, installation of ordnance in the orbiter and in the solid rocket boosters is complete. Flight crew systems workers installed extravehicular maneuvering units in the crew cabin on Saturday. The suits are worn by shuttle crew members for spacewalks. Mid-body closeouts in the payload bay are complete. Closure of the payload bay doors was delayed when a small amount of water seeped through the payload changeout room dock seals during violent weekend thunderstorms. Initial inspections revealed no damage to the orbiter. The payload bay doors will be closed for flight as soon as final inspections are complete.

- end -

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

Source: NASA - Shuttle Status S-061906

Edited by Waspie_Dwarf
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06.21.06
Jessica Rye

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

(321) 867-2468

STATUS REPORT: S-062106

NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report

Note: NASA's Kennedy Space Center issues Space Shuttle Processing Status Reports periodically 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:

.

Mission: STS-121 - 18th International Space Station Flight (ULF1.1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)

Location: Launch Pad 39B

Launch Date: Launch Processing Window July 1-19, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Aft closeouts of Discovery continue, and payload bay inspections and closeouts are complete. The payload bay doors were closed for flight early Tuesday. Flight crew system workers finished checkouts of the extravehicular maneuvering units, which are stowed in the airlock, and airlock closeouts are complete. By the end of today, all checkouts of the external tank and solid rocket boosters will be finalized, and those components will be closed for flight.

On the mobile launch platform, six sound suppression water system nozzles on the north side of the space shuttle main engine flame hole were removed after corrosion was discovered. New nozzles are scheduled to be welded in place this week.

Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A) - P3/P4 Solar Arrays

Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)

Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1

Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, workers are preparing Atlantis for the Crew Equipment Interface Test with the crew of STS-115, scheduled for Friday and Saturday. The test allows crew members to familiarize themselves with the vehicle, perform fit checks and to verify hardware configurations that will be used on orbit.

On Monday, workers in the Vehicle Assembly Building inadvertently bumped ET-118, the STS-115 external fuel tank, with a mobile work platform, causing an indentation in the foam insulation about 3/8 of an inch deep. The damage is on the upper part of the tank just left of the centerline. The area will be fixed and thoroughly analyzed and inspected. The repair work is not expected to affect the launch-on-need support for the STS-121 mission or STS-115.

- end -

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

Source: NASA - Shuttle Status S-062106

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06.23.06
Tracy Young

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

(321) 867-2468

STATUS REPORT: S-062306

NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report

Note: NASA's Kennedy Space Center issues Space Shuttle Processing Status Reports periodically 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:

.

Mission: STS-121 - 18th International Space Station Flight (ULF1.1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)

Location: Launch Pad 39B

Target Launch Date: July 1, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Aft closeouts of Discovery are nearing completion. Workers are preparing to install the engine compartment access doors. Aft confidence testing will take place today. This involves power up and testing of all aft systems, such as the main propulsion system circuits. Workers are preparing the orbiter for pressurization of the orbital maneuvering system and main propulsion system, scheduled for this weekend. Also planned for this weekend are micro inspections of the orbiter windows.

All checkouts of the external tank and solid rocket boosters are complete and those components are closed for flight.

Mission: STS-115 - 19th International Space Station Flight (12A) - P3/P4 Solar Arrays

Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)

Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 1

Launch Date: No earlier than Aug. 28, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Jett, Ferguson, Tanner, Burbank, MacLean and Stefanyshyn-Piper

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, the Crew Equipment Integrated Test with the crew of STS-115 is under way and will continue on Saturday. The test allows crew members to familiarize themselves with the vehicle, perform fit checks and verify hardware configurations that will be used on orbit.

Closeout work in the aft and mid-body areas of Atlantis continues. Freon coolant loop No. 2 is serviced, and preparations for servicing water coolant loop No. 1 continue. The coolant loop is part of the system that cools the avionics bays in the mid-body and the aft of the orbiter.

In high bay No. 3 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, stacking of the STS-115 solid rocket boosters fuel segments is complete. The forward assembly sections are mated, and joint closeouts are in progress.

Processing of the external fuel tank for STS-115, designated ET-118, continues in the Vehicle Assembly Building. Workers from the Michoud Assembly Facility in Louisiana are at KSC and have completed replacing the tank's liquid hydrogen engine cutoff sensors, or fuel gauges.

This week, while workers repaired a minor nick on the side of the ET-118 tank facing away from the shuttle, they noticed a couple of beads of water come out of the foam. It appears the water got into the stringers of the intertank during Hurricane Katrina. An inspection is under way and is planned to be completed this weekend or early next week. The work is not expected to affect the launch-on-need support for STS-121 or STS-115.

Endeavour (OV-105)

Powered-up system testing continues on Endeavour in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2 following an extensive modification period. Mass spectrometer leak checks are complete on the orbiter's oxygen lines. Work continues on the orbiter boom sensor system manipulator positioning mechanisms, which are the pedestals that support the boom. Installation of the reinforced carbon-carbon panels on the orbiter's wing leading edges is under way, as is functional testing of the docking mechanism. The engine No. 1 dome heat shield is being installed today. Elevon cove leak checks are complete.

- end -

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

Source: NASA - Shuttle Status S-062306

Edited by Waspie_Dwarf
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06.26.06
Tracy Young

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

(321) 867-2468

STATUS REPORT: S-062606

NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report

Note: NASA's Kennedy Space Center issues Space Shuttle Processing Status Reports periodically 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:

.

Mission: STS-121 - 18th International Space Station Flight (ULF1.1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)

Location: Launch Pad 39B

Target Launch Date: July 1, 2006

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Discovery's aft is closed for flight, and workers have successfully completed the aft confidence test. This involves powering up and testing all aft systems, such as the main propulsion system circuits. Workers began flight pressurization of the orbital maneuvering system and main propulsion system this weekend, and those operations continue today. Workers also continue preparing for the launch countdown, which will begin at the T-43 hour mark on Wednesday at 5 p.m.

The STS-121 crew is scheduled to arrive at the Shuttle Landing Facility Tuesday afternoon from the Johnson Space Center in Houston.

External Tank

The water that was discovered last week in one of the stringers of the intertank on ET-118 has been removed. Stringers are reinforcing channel structures located on the outside of the intertank skin. Preliminary water analysis indicates that corrosion and salinity levels are low and will not affect the launch-on-need support for STS-121 or the STS-115 mission.

- end -

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

Source: NASA - Shuttle Status S-062606

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06.27.06
Tracy Young

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

(321) 867-2468

STATUS REPORT: S-062706

NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report

Note: NASA's Kennedy Space Center issues Space Shuttle Processing Status Reports periodically 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:

.

Mission: STS-121 - 18th International Space Station Flight (ULF1.1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)

Location: Launch Pad 39B

Launch Date: July 1, 2006, 3:49 p.m. EDT

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

The STS-121 crew arrived at 10 a.m. today at the Shuttle Landing Facility from Johnson Space Center in Houston.

Final preparations for the launch of Discovery's mission to the International Space Station continue at Launch Pad 39B. Flight pressurization of the orbital maneuvering system and main propulsion system continues and initial helium tank pressurization is complete.

Launch countdown preparations are nearing completion in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center. The STS-121 launch countdown begins at 5 p.m. Wednesday, at the T-43 hour mark.

- end -

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

Source: NASA - Shuttle Status S-062706

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06.28.06
Tracy Young

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

(321) 867-2468

STATUS REPORT: S-062806

NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report

Note: NASA's Kennedy Space Center issues Space Shuttle Processing Status Reports periodically 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:

.

Mission: STS-121 - 18th International Space Station Flight (ULF1.1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)

Location: Launch Pad 39B

Launch Date: July 1, 2006, 3:49 p.m. EDT

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

The countdown for the Space Shuttle Discovery launch begins at 5 p.m. today at the T-43 hour mark. Launch remains scheduled for Saturday at 3:49 p.m.

Discovery's flight crew is relaxing today and reviewing its flight data file. The Launch Complex 39 avian detection and monitoring continues through launch.

On Tuesday afternoon, a lightning strike was detected near the south perimeter of Pad B. Discovery was not powered up and was not struck. There was one report of hail that was not confirmed. Initial walkdowns indicate there was some damage to facility electrical equipment supporting liquid hydrogen operations, but no vehicle damage was reported. None of the damage is expected to impact Discovery's launch. Further assessments of the shuttle and facilities will continue today.

U.S. Air Force weather officers are forecasting a 60-percent chance of weather prohibiting a launch attempt on Saturday. The primary weather concerns are anvil clouds from inland thunderstorms, cumulus clouds within 10 nautical miles of the flight path, and showers within 20 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility. The forecast is similar in the event of a 24-hour delay.

- end -

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

Source: NASA - Shuttle Status S-062806

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06.29.06
Tracy Young

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

(321) 867-2468

STATUS REPORT: S-062906

NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report

Note: NASA's Kennedy Space Center issues Space Shuttle Processing Status Reports periodically 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:

.

Mission: STS-121 - 18th International Space Station Flight (ULF1.1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)

Location: Launch Pad 39B

Launch Date: July 1, 2006, 3:49 p.m. EDT

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

The countdown for the Space Shuttle Discovery launch began at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the T-43 hour mark. The launch control team members are in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center monitoring the system consoles. Launch remains scheduled for Saturday at 3:49 p.m.

The entire STS-121 crew participated in flight training this morning in T-38 jets. The commander and pilot also practiced landing techniques in the Shuttle Training Aircraft.

At Launch Pad 39B, preparations for the launch of STS-121 continue. Early stowage of items in the flight crew cabin is complete. Loading of fuel cell reactants is scheduled to pick up later today. The fuel cells provide electricity to the orbiter during flight.

The Mission Management Team met this afternoon for the traditional launch readiness meeting and gave the approval for a launch attempt on Saturday.

U.S. Air Force weather officers are forecasting a 60-percent chance of weather prohibiting a launch attempt on Saturday. The primary weather concerns are anvil clouds from inland thunderstorms, cumulus clouds within 10 nautical miles of the flight path, and showers within 20 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility. The forecast is similar in the event of a 24-hour delay.

- end -

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

Source: NASA - Shuttle Status S-062906

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06.30.06
Tracy Young

Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

(321) 867-2468

STATUS REPORT: S-063006

NASA's Space Shuttle Processing Status Report

Note: NASA's Kennedy Space Center issues Space Shuttle Processing Status Reports periodically 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:

.

Mission: STS-121 - 18th International Space Station Flight (ULF1.1) - Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)

Location: Launch Pad 39B

Launch Date: July 1, 2006, 3:49 p.m. EDT

Launch Pad: 39B

Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter

Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

The countdown for the Space Shuttle Discovery launch is in a built-in hold at the 11-hour mark. The countdown will pick up again at 10:53 p.m. The launch control team members are in Firing Room 4 of the Launch Control Center monitoring the system consoles. Launch remains scheduled for 3:49 p.m. Saturday.

The STS-121 crew is relaxing and reviewing flight data files today. They will go to sleep at 8:15 p.m. at the Kennedy Space Center and will be awakened at 5:15 a.m. Saturday to begin final prelaunch preparations.

At Launch Pad 39B, preparations continue for the launch of Discovery. Fuel cell reactants were loaded Thursday night after a three-hour delay caused by lightning at the Kennedy Space Center. Crew module provisions are being stowed today and pad closeouts are under way, prior to rolling back the Rotating Service Structure at 7 p.m.

U.S. Air Force weather officers are forecasting a 60-percent chance of weather prohibiting a launch attempt on Saturday. The primary weather concerns are anvil clouds from inland thunderstorms and thundershowers within 20 nautical miles of the Shuttle Landing Facility. The forecast is similar in the event of a 24-hour delay.

- end -

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

Source: NASA - Shuttle Status S-063006

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