Officials at NASA's Kennedy Space Center are "very optimistic" that processing of the Space Shuttle orbiter Discovery is on track for a March/April 2005 launch of the STS 114 return-to-flight mission.
Extensive rewiring has been completed on Discovery and the first solid-rocket booster elements have been moved to the processing facility at the Kennedy facility. The orbiter's forward reaction-control system and reinforced carbon-carbon nose cap have been installed. The third main engine for the STS 114 mission, meanwhile, has been tested for 520s at NASA's Stennis Space Center.
Cabling has been installed for 88 sensors in each wing leading-edge to measure acceleration, temperature and impact data. Wiring has been installed for a digital camera to photograph the external tank as it separates from the orbiter, downlinking real-time images.
"Combined with ground, airborne and onboard cameras and lasers, the sensors will provide more detection and inspection than the programme has ever had," says Bill Parsons, Space Shuttle programme manager.
Wiring has been fitted to support the sensor-equipped boom extension to Discovery's remote manipulator system robot arm, which will enable on-orbit inspection of the underside of the orbiter and other inaccessible areas such as wing leading edges.
TIM FURNISS / LONDON
Source: Flight International
