NOTE:Loading the hypergolic propellants into the orbiter’s reaction control system is complete and the pad has been reopened. Aft engine compartment close-outs and launch countdown preparations are underway. Ordnance installation is scheduled for tonight. The countdown will begin at the T-43 hour mark at 2 p.m. Monday, March 31.
NOTE: The forward reaction control system has been removed from Atlantis to allow for additional checks of the thruster seal savers. X-rays of the FRCS will continue today. Securing of main engine No. 3 also continues. In the VAB, the external tank was mated to the solid rocket boosters yesterday.
NOTE: Space Shuttle main engines No. 1 and 3 have been removed. Engine No. 2 will be removed today. The forward reaction control system functional checks continue today. Work to remove and replace fuel cell No. 2 will begin Thursday.
NOTE ON ENDEAVOUR: During yesterday’s attempts to mate the orbiter Endeavour to the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) at Palmdale, CA, a problem developed on the carrier plate covering the orbiter’s liquid hydrogen 17-inch disconnect umbilical attach points. The orbiter was lowered back to the ground and technicians entered the main engine compartment to replace the fasteners that hold the carrier plate in place. Departure from Palmdale is now estimated to be no earlier than 4 or 5 p.m. EST today. A two-day ferry flight is still scheduled with a possible stopover at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, TX, and Ellington Field in Houston, TX, weather permitting. The orbiter will continue on to KSC as early as Wednesday afternoon. A weather briefing will be conducted this afternoon to determine the most likely route for the orbiter/SCA to take.
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