05.24.06
Jessica Rye
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(321) 867-2468
STATUS REPORT: S-052406
NASA’S SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT
Note: NASA’s Kennedy Space Center issues Space Shuttle Processing
Status Reports periodically and is the source for information
regarding processing activities associated with the vehicles and
payloads. This report does not necessarily reflect the chronological
order of future space shuttle missions. If you are a member of the
media and would like further information, visit:
Mission: STS-121 - 18th International Space Station Flight (ULF1.1) -
Multi-Purpose Logistics Module
Vehicle: Discovery (OV-103)
Location: Launch Pad 39B
Launch Date: Launch Processing Window July 1-19, 2006
Launch Pad: 39B
Crew: Lindsey, Kelly, Sellers, Fossum, Nowak, Wilson and Reiter
Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles
Space Shuttle Discovery remains at Launch Pad 39B, and technicians
continue performing system testing while the vehicle is powered. The
external tank camera test was successfully completed, and the lens
cap has been reinstalled until launch.
Tuesday, the launch team conducted the flight readiness test of the
space shuttle main engines, as well as the liquid hydrogen and liquid
oxygen system leak checks. The test ensures the engine hydraulics are
properly working.
Technicians also are preparing for the gaseous and liquid hydrogen and
oxygen leak checks of the power reactant storage distribution system.
The distribution system will be loaded with hydrogen and oxygen next
week. The system provides the fuel for the forward reaction control
system and the orbiter maneuvering system pods.
The orbiter payload bay doors were opened Tuesday in preparation for
the payloads to be installed today. The team continues with other
activities including the orbiter weather protection system’s
activation and the completion of validations of the sound suppression
and Firex systems.
-end-