Shuttle Update
NASA managers made a decision to weld the cracks in the Main Propulsion System (MPS) liquid hydrogen flow liners. The welding repairs are scheduled to begin this week. The technique calls for welds of three very small cracks on Atlantis and two on Endeavour. Additionally, the microscopic rough edges of the liner holes will be smoothed by polishing to reduce the chance of more cracks developing in the future. The welding repair was chosen after several groups of engineers determined the most likely cause of these cracks is high-cycle fatigue -- a phenomenon attributed to combined environments such as vibration, thermal and acoustics.

Atlantis -- Processing continues for launch of STS-112 to the International Space Station, no earlier than Sept. 28.

Endeavour -- After repairs are completed on Atlantis' flow liners, welders will begin similar repairs on Endeavour. Ammonia servicing and replacement of window No. 2 are in work. Launch of STS-113 to the Space Station is scheduled no earlier than Nov. 2.

Columbia -- Nominal processing has been completed in preparation for Columbia's research mission, now scheduled for no earlier than Nov. 29. Due to the difference in material and number of slots on Columbia's flow liners, more engineering investigation is needed before a final repair option is selected.

Spaceport Super Safety &
Health Day 2002
The annual event will be held Wednesday, Oct. 23. The event will kick off at 8 a.m. at the KSC Training Auditorium and will feature John Drebinger Jr., a nationally known speaker, trainer and author on safety and safety communication, as guest speaker. Afternoon activities will feature a multitude of vendor displays.

Mammograms at KSC -
Screening For Breast Cancer
The Women's Center for Radiology (WCR) will have their Mobile Mammography Unit at KSC (southwest corner of the parking lot behind HQ Building), on Wednesday, Aug. 21. WCR is accredited in mammography by the American College of Radiology and all mammograms are interpreted by radiologists. Insurance can be filed. Call 800-367-1870 for an appointment and more information. If you have any questions, please call Carol Roth, 867-3414.

The Brevard Community College Planetarium Speaker Series continues. . .
on Wednesday, Aug. 7, from 7 - 8 p.m., with an exciting presentation of "Space Shuttle: What It Is and What It Brings to Humanity." Lockheed Martin Integration Engineer Ron Caswell will take guests on an inside tour of the Space Shuttle program, bringing missions "down to earth" for the entire family to enjoy! Cost is just $5 per person and includes observatory viewing. For more information, please call the BCC Planetarium (Cocoa Campus) at 632 - 1111, ext. 63504.

New Links on KSC Internal
Home Page
Go to the internal page and find links to NASA/KSC TechDoc System, NASA People, Systems Management Office (SMO), and WebTADS - Online Time & Attendance.

Did You Know. . .
During launch, the Shuttle accelerates from zero to about nine times as fast as a bullet -- 17,400 mph -- in 8.5 minutes.

KSC Countdown is published Tuesdays & Thursdays. Deadlines: 10 a.m. Mondays & Wednesdays. Send information, comments or questions to: E-mail -- Anita.Barrett-1@ksc.nasa.gov Telephone -- 867-2815