NOTE: Preparation for the launch of Shuttle Columbia on July 20 continues on schedule at Launch Pad 39B. Workers have completed orbiter aft compartment close-outs and are preparing to pickup the launch countdown tonight at 10 p.m. Payload close-outs are in work in preparation for tomorrow's payload bay door closure. Flight crew equipment stowage is on going. The five-member STS-93 flight crew arrived at KSC today at about 7 a.m.
STS-93 SCHEDULED OPERATIONAL MILESTONES (dates are target only):
NOTE: Technicians have completed functional tests on Endeavour's landing gear. Payload bay close-outs continue and potable water servicing is ongoing. Leak checks of the crew cabin and external airlock are scheduled today. Preparations are under way to receive the SRTM payload into the OPF and then install it into the orbiter's payload bay next Tuesday. The orbiter/payload interface verification test begins next week.
STS-99 SCHEDULED OPERATIONAL MILESTONES (dates are target only):
NOTE: Removal of Discovery's robot arm is complete. Main propulsion system leak checks continue and draining of the right-hand orbital maneuvering system (OMS) engine is in progress. Later this week, workers will begin OMS engine disconnects. Discovery's main landing gear is being installed today. Drag chute installation begins Saturday.
STS-103 SCHEDULED OPERATIONAL MILESTONES (dates are target only):
NOTE: Installation of Atlantis' external airlock is under way. Wireless video system modifications resume tomorrow. Technicians are installing orbiter window No. 1 this week and water spray boiler checks are scheduled this week. Freon coolant loop functional testing is in progress.
Next week, workers will begin preparing Atlantis for a brief storage period in the Vehicle Assembly Building. Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to VAB high bay 2 on July 23 and remain there until it transfers to OPF bay 2 on Aug. 16. Atlantis is leaving OPF bay 3 to make room for orbiter Columbia's return from STS-93.
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