
STS-84 -- 6th MIR DOCKING & SPACEHAB DM (image)NOTE: Close-out work on fuel cell No. 3 is complete. Functional tests of the newly installed actuator for Hatch D are complete. Atlantis' payload bay doors will be closed tomorrow for roll out to the VAB late Monday night. External tank and solid rocket booster close-out activities continue in preparation to be mated to Atlantis next week.
STS-84 SCHEDULED OPERATIONAL MILESTONES (dates are target only):
STS-83R -- Microgravity Science Laboratory-1 (image)NOTE: A review was held today by the Shuttle program which included inputs from all disciplines involved in preparing for Space Shuttle missions. According to Space Shuttle Program Manager, Tommy Holloway, "The Shuttle manifest for the remainder of the year, while tight, appears able to accommodate a reflight of Columbia and its MSL payload in early July with reasonable impact to Shuttle launch dates for the rest of calendar year 1997."
Holloway added, "While shortening STS-83 was disappointing, we now are in a position to do everything possible to complete the mission STS-83 Reflight (STS-83R) with little or no impact to downstream flights. Also, it provides us with a unique opportunity to demonstrate our ability to respond to challenges such as this one."
Managers intend to make a final decision on flying STS-83R next Friday once all organizations have made further schedule assessments.
IN WORK: Draining of cryogenics from Columbia's power reactant storage distribution system is complete. Preparations continue to support payload bay door opening today. Technicians are also working today to gain access to the orbiter's aft compartment. Preparations are in work to remove fuel cell No. 2 on Saturday. Once removed, the problem fuel cell will be shipped to the vendor for inspection.
Preparations are underway to ship the STS-83 booster nozzles to Utah today.
STS-85 -- CRISTA-SPAS-2NOTE: Testing of Discovery's power reactant storage and distribution system was completed yesterday. Mission events controller No. 2 will be replaced next week. The forward reaction control system was delivered to OPF bay 2 yesterday and is scheduled for installation next Thursday.
STS-85 SCHEDULED OPERATIONAL MILESTONES (dates are target only):
STS-86 -- 7th MIR DOCKING and LOGISTICS MODULENOTE: Purge lines have been hooked up to Endeavour in the VAB and will remain in place until its transfer to OPF bay 3 on April 17.
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