MISSION: STS-83 -- Microgravity Science Laboratory-1

• VEHICLE: Columbia/OV-102 (image)
• LOCATION: Pad 39A
• TARGET LAUNCH DATE/TIME: April 3 at 2:01 p.m. EST
• LAUNCH WINDOW: 2 hours, 30 minutes
• TARGET KSC LANDING DATE/TIME: April 19 at about 7:37 a.m. EDT
• MISSION DURATION: 15 days, 16 hours, 36 minutes
• CREW: Halsell, Still, Voss, Thomas, Gernhardt, Linteris, Crouch (image)
• ORBITAL ALTITUDE and INCLINATION: 160 nautical miles/28.45 degrees

IN WORK TODAY:

* Helium Signature Test of main propulsion system

* Leak checks of low pressure fuel turbopump

WORK SCHEDULED:

* X-rays of orbital maneuvering system thruster dynatube seals (Thursday)

* Main engine flight readiness test (Friday)

* Test of rudder speed brake (Friday)

* Loading of orbiter storable hypergolic propellants (Sun. - Mon.)

* Load orbiter mass memory units (Monday)

* Begin aft main engine compartment closeouts (Tuesday)

WORK COMPLETED:

* Re-installation of solid rocket booster nozzle plugs

MISSION: STS-84 -- 6th MIR DOCKING & SPACEHAB DM (image)

• VEHICLE: Atlantis/OV-104
• LOCATION: Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3
• TARGET KSC LAUNCH DATE/TIME: May 15 at about 4:07 a.m.
• LAUNCH WINDOW: 7-10 minutes
• TARGET KSC LANDING DATE/TIME: May 24 at about 7:52 a.m.
• MISSION DURATION: 9 days, 3 hours, 45 minutes
• CREW: Precourt, Collins, Foale, Noriega, Lu, Clervoy, Kondakova
• ORBITAL ALTITUDE and INCLINATION: 160 nautical miles/51.6 degrees

NOTE: Main engine No. 3 is being removed for replacement of the low pressure oxidizer turbopump. Electrical connections of the orbiter docking system (ODS) are being completed today. Leak checks of the ODS were completed yesterday. X-rays of the orbital maneuvering system pod dynatube seals are planned for later this week. Main engine heat shield installation on the No. 1 and No. 2 engines is complete. The Crew Equipment Interface Test (CEIT), a mission specific familiarization and inspection of orbiter and payload systems by the astronauts, continues to be planned for Saturday.

In the Vehicle Assembly Building, closeouts of the left solid rocket booster are complete. Right booster closeouts continue. Mating of the external tank to the solid rocket boosters is scheduled to occur on Mar. 24.

MISSION: STS-85 -- CRISTA-SPAS-2

• VEHICLE: Discovery/OV-103
• LOCATION: Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2
• TARGET LAUNCH DATE/TIME: July 17 at 10:06 a.m.
• LAUNCH WINDOW: 1 hour, 54 minutes
• TARGET KSC LANDING DATE/TIME: July 28 at about 6:54 a.m.
• MISSION DURATION: 10 days, 20 hours, 48 minutes
• CREW: Brown, Ashby, Davis, Curbeam, Robinson, Tryggvason
• ORBITAL ALTITUDE and INCLINATION: 160 nautical miles/57 degrees

NOTE: Configuration of the aft flight deck for the CRISTA-SPAS payload is beginning. Configuration of the payload bay continues. The orbiter's tires are being installed today. Testing of the forward reaction control system will begin on Friday.

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