
STS-94 -- Microgravity Science Laboratory-1 (image)
NOTE: Pad validation efforts are concluding today and auxiliary power unit hot fire testing is complete and good. The Rotating Service Structure was placed around Columbia at about 9:30 a.m. today. Main engine flight readiness testing is in work today and tomorrow. Work begins today to replace 36 thermal protection system tiles on Columbia's forward reaction control system.
Shuttle technicians raised the concern of possible cracked tiles two weeks ago during routine inspections of the FRCS. Evaluations of the FRCS tiles on the entire Shuttle fleet helped engineers decide to replace the tiles with stronger ones.
STS-94 SCHEDULED OPERATIONAL MILESTONES (dates are target only):
STS-85 -- CRISTA-SPAS-2 (image)
NOTE: Work remains on schedule for a Crew Equipment Interface Test on Saturday. Flight control check-outs of Discovery's orbiter maneuvering system and reaction control system are complete. Preparations are in work for functional tests of the external tank umbilical doors and main landing gear servicing is scheduled to pick up tomorrow.
STS-85 SCHEDULED OPERATIONAL MILESTONES (dates are target only):
STS-86 -- 7th MIR DOCKING & SPACEHAB DM
NOTE: Fuel cell No. 3 is installed and electrical hookups are complete. Waterproofing of Atlantis' thermal protection system is in work. The orbiter maneuvering system functional check-outs are scheduled to begin later this week. Preparations for drag chute installation are in work and window polishing is scheduled through Friday.
STS-89 -- 8th MIR DOCKING & SPACEHAB DMNOTE: Endeavour's payload bay doors are open and technicians are now working in the orbiter's midbody. Installation of the radiators in the payload bay is in work and servicing of the orbiter's freon coolant loop No. 2 continues.
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