Shuttle Update
Discovery-- An engineering evaluation continues following the discovery of a surface crack found during standard Orbiter Maintenance and Modification (OMM) inspec-tions. The crack, located on a 2.25-inch- diameter metal ball, is associated with the Ball Strut Tie Rod Assembly (BSTRA) inside Discovery's 17-inch liquid oxygen line. Further inspections of Discovery's 17-inch and 12-inch lines have found no cracks, although the inspections have not been completed.

Columbia -- Prelaunch preparations continue at Pad 39A for Shuttle Columbia's Jan. 16 launch on the Spacehab microgravity research mission. Preparations are complete for loading hypergolic reactants on the Shuttle, with loading scheduled to begin yesterday. The Helium Signature Test is complete. The crew will arrive to participate for the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test scheduled for later this week. No inspections are planned on Columbia related to the BSTRA ball crack evaluation.

Atlantis -- 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. Technicians installed Atlantis' three Space Shuttle Main Engines on Saturday.

Endeavour -- Deservicing and processing continues for the STS-115 mission to the International Space Station scheduled in May 2003. Heat shield removal is complete and technicians have begun removing Endeavour's three Space Shuttle Main Engines. Inspections are under way of the BSTRAs on Endeavour to gather data to be used in the analysis of a crack found in an assembly on Discovery. The inspections of Endeavour have found no cracks so far.

Reminder to all KSC employees
The KSC Visitor Complex Retail Store is offering a 30% Holiday Discount to all NASA badged and NASA contractor badged employees through Dec. 24. To gain access to the Visitor Complex Retail Store, present your badge at the main gate and receive your shopping pass. A $10 deposit is required for each unbadged visitor and the deposit may be used in the store or for food at one of the restaurants or returned when you finish shopping. Only 7 more days to take advantage of this Holiday Discount!

Ammonia Operations. . .
will be conducted in the Vapor Containment Facility (VCF) and Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) from approximately Dec. 16-20. During these operations, ammonia vapors may be vented from the roof of the SSPF and possibly the VCF. This venting could produce an ammonia odor in the immediate Industrial Area. Ammonia vapors can irritate the eyes and upper respiratory tract. Because of its pungent odor, you can detect ammonia vapors at levels well below those that pose a serious health hazard. If you smell ammonia vapors at anytime outside these facilities, please leave the area quickly, and notify Boeing Operations, 867-5800.