STS-123 (1 J/A) Mission thread

[MeteorWayne]

This mission has been added to the weekly status reports:<br /><br />08.31.07<br />George Diller<br />Kennedy Space Center, Fla.<br />321-867-2468<br />george.h.diller@nasa.gov<br />STATUS REPORT: S-083107<br />NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT<br /><br />Note: NASA's Kennedy Space Center issues Space Shuttle Processing <br />Status Reports periodically and is the source for information <br />regarding processing activities associated with the vehicles and <br />payloads. Mission: STS-123 - 25th International Space Station Flight - Kibo <br />Logistics Module, Dextre Robotics System <br />Vehicle: Endeavour (OV-105) <br />Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 <br />Launch Date: Targeted for Feb. 14, 2008 <br />Launch Pad: 39A <br />Crew: Gorie, Johnson, Linnehan, Doi, Behnken, Foreman and Reisman<br />Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles <br /><br />In Orbiter Processing Facility bay No. 2, two tiles damaged during the <br />flight of STS-118 have been removed for inspection and testing. The <br />orbiter structure beneath the tile impact area has been inspected, <br />and engineers have found no evidence of heat-related damage. <br />Additionally, three-dimensional measurements of the damage site found <br />no appreciable change in volume resulting from heat affects.<br /><br />Also during inspections, two micro-meteorite impacts were observed on <br />the payload bay door radiators. They did not damage any of the <br />radiator Freon coolant loops and did not reach the outer skin of the <br />payload bay doors. These impact areas can be repaired.<br /><br />Spacehab, part of the STS-118 payload, was removed from Endeavour's <br />payload bay and returned to the Space Station Processing Facility. <br />Validation of the orbiter's main engine pneumatics and power systems <br />is complete. Workers have completed post-flight thermography <br />inspection of the reinforced carbon-carbon, or RCC, on the nosecap.<br /><</safety_wrapper> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[Swampcat]

<font color="yellow">"two tiles damaged during the <br />flight of STS-118 have been removed for inspection and testing. The <br />orbiter structure beneath the tile impact area has been inspected, <br />and engineers have found no evidence of heat-related damage. <br />Additionally, three-dimensional measurements of the damage site found <br />no appreciable change in volume resulting from heat affects."</font><br /><br />So, basically, all that whining, wailing and arm waving about the threat to the crew was unnecessary. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="3" color="#ff9900"><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong><em>------------------------------------------------------------------- </em></strong></font></p><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong><em>"I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical. Unsuccessful rebellions, indeed, generally establish the encroachments on the rights of the people which have produced them. An observation of this truth should render honest republican governors so mild in their punishment of rebellions as not to discourage them too much. It is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government."</em></strong></font></p><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong>Thomas Jefferson</strong></font></p></font> </div>

 

[bobblebob]

Providing your didnt believe the media hype, it was never about crew safety, but more about how it will effect future flights of Endeavour

 

[Swampcat]

<font color="yellow">"Providing your didnt believe the media hype, it was never about crew safety, but more about how it will effect future flights of Endeavour"</font><br /><br />It's true there was some concern about possible damage to Endeavour, but a lot of the whining, wailing and arm waving, IIRC, was concerned with a possible re-enactment of the Columbia re-entry.<br /><br />At any rate, it's good to see that both concerns were put to rest. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <font size="3" color="#ff9900"><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong><em>------------------------------------------------------------------- </em></strong></font></p><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong><em>"I hold it that a little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the political world as storms in the physical. Unsuccessful rebellions, indeed, generally establish the encroachments on the rights of the people which have produced them. An observation of this truth should render honest republican governors so mild in their punishment of rebellions as not to discourage them too much. It is a medicine necessary for the sound health of government."</em></strong></font></p><p><font size="1" color="#993300"><strong>Thomas Jefferson</strong></font></p></font> </div>

 

[bobblebob]

"but a lot of the whining, wailing and arm waving, IIRC, was concerned with a possible re-enactment of the Columbia re-entry."<br /><br />I watched a large portion of the mission on Nasa TV as i wasnt working, and saw most of the Mission Briefing's. Very early on they ruled out this was a life threatening problem. The media kept asking questions about would it break up during reentry etc and they kept saying all the evidence points to that it wont.<br /><br />Of course nothing is certain and their was a chance we could have had another Columbia, but the media hyped the issue up to so much that it was blown out of all proportion in relation to the actual facts. Thats the media for you tho <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" />

 

[windnwar]

Working at a tv news station, I hear the news director all the time hoping for hurricanes or other bad events for the "Big story". This isn't uncommon, they know tragedy sells but it still seems wrong. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p><font size="2" color="#0000ff">""Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." --Albert Einstein"</font></p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

It's the infamous "<font color="yellow">TEAM COVERAGE!!!!!</font> <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

BTW, welcome to SDC!<br />I too am a veteran of the TV biz (on the equipment end for 25 years) and news in general (going back 35 years) and find the news business rather perverted and populated by talking heads and producers who wouldn't know reality if it smacked them in the nose <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[bobblebob]

Im sure some sections of the media were hoping it would break up on reentry just to get the big story and blame Nasa. Sad but true <img src="/images/icons/frown.gif" /> <br /><br />As soon as the tile damage was noticed, every media source in the UK was writing about it. Even made the main BBC news saying how they might not be able to repair and have to rescue the crew. All made up as no one knew anything at that point. I made a note to try and find news articles once Nasa had determined it was safe to re-enter. Couldnt find one

 

[MeteorWayne]

Oh, quite true, and very sad.<br /><br />However it was quite clear from the real scientific news that that was not gonna happen.<br /><br />Too bad, news jerks <img src="/images/icons/laugh.gif" /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

I don't know the answer, have any MMOD hits been proven to be from meteorites, are all known from manmade debris, or are there cases where it cannot be determined?<br /><br />I have no idea is such info is available, just thought I'd ask.<br /><br />TIA, Wayne <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[windnwar]

Thanks for the welcome! I've only been in the tv biz for about 3 years now. My primary background has been in IT and electronics previously for about 12 years which made me perfect for tv engineering since it's all rapidly becoming IT based. My poor coworkers are great with electronics but can barely load an operating system, let alone figure out this non-linear video editing system, hence they hired me to bring them into the present. It doesn't pay quite as well as IT does but it's alot more fun, so long as I stay clear of the news people and thier braindead ideas. It kills me when a gal that can barely log into her email is the one responsible for reporting on education and health topics. <img src="/images/icons/rolleyes.gif" /> It's no wonder they report such doom and gloom about the shuttle. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p> </p><p><font size="2" color="#0000ff">""Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." --Albert Einstein"</font></p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

NASA update<br /><br />09.07.07<br />George Diller<br />Kennedy Space Center, Fla.<br />321-867-2468<br />george.h.diller@nasa.gov<br />STATUS REPORT: S-090707<br />NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT<br /><br />Mission: STS-123 - 25th International Space Station Flight - Kibo <br />Logistics Module, Dextre Robotics System <br />Vehicle: Endeavour (OV-105) <br />Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 <br />Launch Date: Targeted for Feb. 14, 2008 <br />Launch Pad: 39A <br />Crew: Gorie, Johnson, Linnehan, Doi, Behnken, Foreman and Reisman<br />Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles <br /><br />In Orbiter Processing Facility bay No. 2, deservicing of the <br />hypergolic fuel system is complete. Functional testing of the forward <br />reaction control system is finished, as well as post-flight <br />thermography inspections of the right and left wing leading edges. <br />The engine dome heat shields have been removed and preparations are <br />under way for removal of the three shuttle main engines next week. <br />Technicians are preparing for the functional checkout of the left and <br />right orbital maneuvering system pods, scheduled for next week. They <br />are also removing the STS-118 payload support hardware.<br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

Weekly Status Report:<br /><br />09.14.07<br />George Diller<br />Kennedy Space Center, Fla.<br />321-867-2468<br />george.h.diller@nasa.gov<br />STATUS REPORT: S-091407<br />NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT<br /><br />Mission: STS-123 - 25th International Space Station Flight - Kibo, <br />Dextre <br />Vehicle: Endeavour (OV-105) <br />Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 <br />Launch Date: Targeted for Feb. 14, 2008 <br />Launch Pad: 39A <br />Crew: Gorie, Johnson, Linnehan, Doi, Behnken, Foreman and Reisman<br />Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles <br /><br />In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2, the three shuttle main engines <br />have been removed for inspection and processing. Hydraulic operations <br />are under way this week. This involves repositioning the orbiter's <br />aero surfaces, such as the body flaps, rudder speed brake and <br />elevons, to allow for tile inspections. Technicians are performing <br />functional tests of the orbital maneuvering system pods. Post-flight <br />deconfiguration of the payload bay is also in progress.<br /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

Weekly Status report:<br /><br />09.21.07<br />George Diller<br />Kennedy Space Center, Fla.<br />321-867-2468<br />george.h.diller@nasa.gov<br />STATUS REPORT: S-092107<br />NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT<br /><br /><br />Mission: STS-123 - 25th International Space Station Flight - Kibo, <br />Dextre <br />Vehicle: Endeavour (OV-105) <br />Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 <br />Launch Date: Targeted for Feb. 14, 2008 <br />Launch Pad: 39A <br />Crew: Gorie, Johnson, Linnehan, Doi, Behnken, Foreman and Reisman<br />Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles <br /><br />In Orbiter Processing Facility bay No. 2, functional testing of the <br />orbital maneuvering system pods is nearing completion. The main <br />landing gear tires were removed to allow for brake inspection. The <br />orbiter boom sensor system was removed from the orbiter to allow for <br />inspection of the pedestals, which support the boom in the payload <br />bay.<br /><br />Air data probe inspections are complete. Freon coolant loop No. 1 has <br />been de-serviced. Repair work began this week on the left-hand <br />radiator, which was damaged by micrometeoroid impacts during the last <br />mission.<br /><br /> <br />-end-<br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[cbased]

<i>Repair work began this week on the left-hand <br />radiator, which was damaged by micrometeoroid impacts during the last <br />mission. </i><br />Does anyone know if there micrometeoroids could be (or were?) recovered (stuck somewhere between the insulation sheets)? Do they have any scientific value?

 

[MeteorWayne]

IIRC, the orbital debris is pretty much vaporized in the impact. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

Weekly Status Report:<br /><br />09.28.07<br />George Diller<br />Kennedy Space Center, Fla.<br />321-867-2468<br />george.h.diller@nasa.gov<br /><br />STATUS REPORT: S-092807<br /><br />NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT<br /><br /><br />Mission: STS-123 - 25th International Space Station Flight - Kibo, <br />Dextre <br />Vehicle: Endeavour (OV-105) <br />Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 <br />Launch Date: Targeted for Feb. 14, 2008 <br />Launch Pad: 39A <br />Crew: Gorie, Johnson, Linnehan, Doi, Behnken, Foreman and Reisman<br />Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles <br /><br />In Orbiter Processing Facility bay No. 2, freon coolant loop No. 1 <br />pressurization and leak checks are complete and servicing is under <br />way. The orbiter's body flap and elevons were repositioned to allow <br />for inspections. Functional testing of the external tank doors is <br />finished.<br /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

Weekly Status Report:<br /><br />10.05.07<br />George Diller<br /><br />STATUS REPORT: S-100507<br /><br />NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT<br /><br /><br />Mission: STS-123 - 25th International Space Station Flight - Kibo, <br />Dextre <br />Vehicle: Endeavour (OV-105) <br />Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 <br />Launch Date: Targeted for Feb. 14, 2008 <br />Launch Pad: 39A <br />Crew: Gorie, Johnson, Linnehan, Doi, Behnken, Foreman and Reisman<br />Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles <br /><br />In Orbiter Processing Facility bay No. 2, servicing of Freon coolant <br />loop No. 1 is complete. Windows No. 3 and 4 were removed and <br />replaced. Technicians continue inspecting the main propulsion system <br />flow liners, feedlines and gimbal joints. The fuel cell single-cell <br />voltage test is finished. Preparations for installation of BRI tile <br />around the main landing gear doors are under way. The BRI tile is a <br />stronger tile designed for critical areas on the orbiter. Work is in <br />progress to configure Endeavour's payload bay for the STS-123 <br />hardware.<br /><br /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

Latest "official" word<br />Nov. 2, 2007<br /><br />George Diller<br />Kennedy Space Center, Fla.<br />321-867-2468<br />george.h.diller@nasa.gov<br />STATUS REPORT: S-110207<br />NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT<br /><br />Mission: STS-123 - 25th International Space Station Flight - Kibo, <br />Dextre <br />Vehicle: Endeavour (OV-105) <br />Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 <br />Launch Date: Targeted for Feb. 14, 2008 <br />Launch Pad: 39A <br />Crew: Gorie, Johnson, Linnehan, Doi, Behnken, Foreman and Reisman<br />Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles <br /><br />In Orbiter Processing Facility bay No. 2, installation of replacement <br />overhead window No. 7 has been completed. Replacement overhead window <br />No. 8 is scheduled for Monday. A new reinforced carbon-carbon panel, <br />RCC No. 10 right (10R), was temporarily installed on Thursday for <br />measurements. Final installation is expected to occur late next week. <br />Also on Thursday, technicians successfully completed the orbiter vent <br />door functional test. Thermal protection system work continues on the <br />main landing gear doors, wings, elevons and orbital maneuvering <br />system pods.<br /><br /> <br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

Nov. 9, 2007<br />George Diller<br />Kennedy Space Center, Fla.<br />321-867-2468<br />george.h.diller@nasa.gov<br />STATUS REPORT: S-110907<br />NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT<br /><br /><br />Mission: STS-123 - 25th International Space Station Flight - Kibo, <br />Dextre <br />Vehicle: Endeavour (OV-105) <br />Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 <br />Launch Date: Targeted for Feb. 14, 2008 <br />Launch Pad: 39A <br />Crew: Gorie, Johnson, Linnehan, Doi, Behnken, Foreman and Reisman<br />Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles <br /><br />In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2, installation of replacement <br />overhead window No. 8 is in progress. Installation of a new <br />reinforced carbon-carbon panel, RCC No. 10 right (10R), is under way. <br />Technicians are preparing the orbiter for installation of the <br />engines, scheduled for next week. The crew module hatch functional <br />test is nearing completion. Thermal protection system work continues <br />on the main landing gear doors, wings, elevons and orbital <br />maneuvering system pods. Payload pre-mate testing is under way. <br />Liquid oxygen tank No. 1 is installed and is undergoing leak checks. <br /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[no_way]

Hey s_g, you are dead set on making me lose our bet, right ? <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /><br />Just a refresher, we bet with s_g whether shuttle will make four flights this year or not, with a prize being some space-related DVD order from Amazon which i apparently will have to dig up in a short while....

 

[MeteorWayne]

Nov. 16, 2007<br />George Diller<br />Kennedy Space Center, Fla.<br />321-867-2468<br />george.h.diller@nasa.gov<br />STATUS REPORT: S-111607<br />NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT<br /><br />Mission: STS-123 - 25th International Space Station Flight - Kibo, <br />Dextre <br />Vehicle: Endeavour (OV-105) <br />Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 <br />Launch Date: Targeted for Feb. 14, 2008 <br />Launch Pad: 39A <br />Crew: Gorie, Johnson, Linnehan, Doi, Behnken, Foreman, Reisman<br />Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles <br /><br />In Orbiter Processing Facility bay No. 2, the three main engines have <br />been installed on Endeavour and integrated testing with the main <br />propulsion system begins today. Functional testing of the waste <br />containment system is complete. Payload pre-mate testing has <br />finished. The orbiter boom sensor system, which was recently removed <br />from Discovery, arrived this week in the facility's bay No. 2. The <br />system has undergone post-flight inspections and thermal blanket <br />installation, and is being temporarily installed today to allow for <br />fit checks. This week, technicians began working to bond BRI tiles <br />around the main landing gear door. The rudder speed brake has been <br />configured for flight and the orbiter drag chute is installed. <br /><br /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

Nov. 21, 2007<br />Candrea Thomas<br />Kennedy Space Center, Fla.<br />321-867-2468<br />candrea.k.thomas@nasa.gov<br /><br />STATUS REPORT: S-112107<br /><br />NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT<br /><br /><br />Mission: STS-123 - 25th International Space Station Flight - Kibo, <br />Dextre <br />Vehicle: Endeavour (OV-105) <br />Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 <br />Launch Date: Targeted for Feb. 14, 2008 <br />Launch Pad: 39A <br />Crew: Gorie, Johnson, Linnehan, Doi, Behnken, Foreman, Reisman<br />Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles <br /><br />In Orbiter Processing Facility bay No. 2, integrated testing of the <br />main engines and the main propulsion system continues. Testing of the <br />orbiter's three-string GPS system, which provides guidance on <br />re-entry, is complete.<br /><br />The star tracker door functional test is complete. Window No. 7 has <br />been removed and replaced. The payload bay door functional test is <br />finished. Installation of BRI tile around the perimeter of the right <br />main landing gear door is finished. Checkout of the Shuttle to <br />Station Power Transfer System is complete.<br /><br />In high bay No. 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, stacking of the <br />left solid rocket booster is under way. Stacking of the right booster <br />is scheduled to begin next week. <br /><br /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>

 

[MeteorWayne]

Nov. 30, 2007<br />Candrea Thomas<br />Kennedy Space Center, Fla.<br />321-867-2468<br />candrea.k.thomas@nasa.gov<br />STATUS REPORT: S-113007<br />NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT<br /><br />Mission: STS-123 - 25th International Space Station Flight - Kibo, <br />Dextre <br />Vehicle: Endeavour (OV-105) <br />Location: Orbiter Processing Facility Bay 2 <br />Launch Date: Targeted for Feb. 14, 2008 <br />Launch Pad: 39A <br />Crew: Gorie, Johnson, Linnehan, Doi, Behnken, Foreman, Reisman<br />Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles <br /><br />In Orbiter Processing Facility bay No. 2, integrated testing of the <br />main engines and the main propulsion system is complete. All window <br />installations are finished. Installation of the orbiter main engine <br />heat shields began this week, and the orbital maneuvering system heat <br />shields have been installed. Following electrical resistance testing <br />of the orbiter boom sensor system, which is the 50-foot extension for <br />the shuttle robotic arm, the boom was installed in the payload bay. <br />Hardware that will support the STS-123 payload was also installed in <br />the payload bay.<br /><br />The STS-123 crew flew to Kennedy Space Center this week for the crew <br />equipment interface test on Friday and Saturday. During the test, the <br />crew gets the opportunity to become familiar with the configuration <br />of equipment in the crew cabin and payload bay.<br /><br />In high bay No. 1 of the Vehicle Assembly Building, stacking of the <br />solid rocket boosters is under way. ET-126, the external fuel tank <br />for STS-123, arrived at Kennedy today and was transported to the <br />transfer aisle of the Vehicle Assembly Building. The tank will be <br />lifted into a checkout cell on Saturday to undergo processing for <br />launch. <br /><br /><br /> <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p><font color="#000080"><em><font color="#000000">But the Krell forgot one thing John. Monsters. Monsters from the Id.</font></em> </font></p><p><font color="#000080">I really, really, really, really miss the "first unread post" function</font><font color="#000080"> </font></p> </div>