NOTE: Last week, technicians installed Discovery's remote manipulator system or robot arm in the payload bay. Over the weekend, workers began efforts to install additional sensors inside the orbiter's drag chute compartment. The added instrumentation will gather data through the first few seconds of liftoff. Installation of the integrated vehicle health monitoring system for the orbiter's main propulsion system continues and base heat shield modifications are on schedule. Payload premate test preparations are in work. Booster stacking operations are under way in VAB high bay 3.
STS-96 SCHEDULED OPERATIONAL MILESTONES (dates are target only):
NOTE: Columbia is jacked and leveled in VAB high bay 2 undergoing routine system observation during a temporary storage period. Columbia will remain in the VAB until mid-April, when Shuttle Discovery rolls out of OPF bay 1. Columbia will then be transferred to OPF bay 1 to complete STS-93's orbiter prelaunch preparations.
NOTE: Replacement of Endeavour's left hand radiator No. 1 is complete and radiator No. 2 is being replaced today. This work is part of a valve modification being conducted on freon coolant loop No. 1.
STS-99 SCHEDULED OPERATIONAL MILESTONES (dates are target only):
NOTE: Atlantis moved from the VAB transfer aisle to OPF bay 3 on Feb. 17. Workers are setting up platforms to gain access to the orbiter. Once access is established, technicians will resume the remaining work on the tactical air and navigation system (TACAN). The orbiter's payload bay doors will be opened this week.
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