WASHINGTON, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Engineers cheered as electricity
coursed through Space Shuttle Endeavour today for the first time in two years.
The powering of Endeavour signaled the end of the orbiter's major modification
period at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
"Having three operational vehicles in the fleet affords the shuttle
program great schedule flexibility, as we move toward flying safely and
completing the international space station," said Space Shuttle Program
Manager Wayne Hale.
Engineers and technicians spent 900,000 hours performing 124 modifications
to the vehicle. These included recommended return to flight safety
modifications, bonding more than 1,000 thermal protection system tiles and
inspecting more than 150 miles of wiring. Eighty-five of the modifications are
complete and 39 are still underway.
Two of the more extensive modifications included the addition of the
multi-functional electronic display system (glass cockpit), and the three-
string global positioning system.
The glass cockpit is a new, full-color, flat-panel display system that
improves interaction between the crew and orbiter. It provides easy-to-read
graphics portraying key flight indicators like altitude display and mach
speed. Endeavour was the last vehicle in the fleet to receive this system.
The three-string global positioning system will improve the shuttle's
landing capability. It will allow Endeavour to make a landing at any runway
long enough to handle the shuttle. The previous system only allowed for
landings at military bases.
"When Endeavour was powered up, the team cheered at the completion of all
of their hard work and accomplishments during the modification period," said
Tassos Abadiotakis, Endeavour's vehicle manager. "The team worked tirelessly
to ensure the vehicle progressed though the modification period on time and on
budget."
Shuttle major modification periods are scheduled at regular intervals to
enhance safety and performance, infuse new technology and allow thorough
inspections of the airframe and wiring. This was the second of modification
period performed entirely at Kennedy. Endeavour's previous modification was
completed in March 1997.
Endeavour is beginning 10-12 months of launch processing and power-up
testing for a future flight, possibly late next year.
For the latest information about NASA's Space Shuttle Program on the Web,
visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle
For information about NASA and agency programs on the Web, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/home
SOURCE NASA
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Related links:
http://www.nasa.gov
http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle http://www.nasa.gov/home
CONTACT:
Katherine Trinidad, Headquarters, Washington,
+1-202-358-3749; or Jessica Rye, Kennedy Space Center, Fla.,
+1-321-867-2468, both of NASA
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