NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT: S-030207

At Launch Pad 39A, the external tank attached to Space Shuttle Atlantis shows damage from hail bombardment during a strong thunderstorm that passed through Kennedy Space Center about 5 p.m. EST on Feb. 26. Image Courtesy: NASA/KSC

For the image shown above in a larger size, see Hail Damage on Shuttle Atlantis. More NASA images are available in BBSNews NASA Photos.

NASA via BBSNews - 2007-03-03 -- Preparations are underway at Launch Pad 39A to roll back the STS-117 Shuttle stack to the Vehicle Assembly building. Roll back is currently targeted for Sunday morning. STS-117 is returning to the VAB so that engineers and technicians can thoroughly inspect the shuttle for hail damage that resulted from a violent storm on Monday evening.

• Mission: STS-117 - 21st International Space Station Flight (13A) - S3/S4 Truss Segment Solar Arrays
• Vehicle: Atlantis (OV-104)
• Location: Launch Pad 39A
• Launch Date: Targeted for April 2007
• Launch Pad: 39A
• Crew: Sturckow, Archambault, Reilly, Swanson, Forrester and Olivas
• Inclination/Orbit Altitude: 51.6 degrees/122 nautical miles

Once inspections are complete, a decision will be made on the type of repair necessary and the time needed for that work.

On Thursday, workers at the pad offloaded the fuel and oxidizer from the orbiter maneuvering system tanks. The orbiter's payload bay doors are open, and work is underway to remove the payload from the cargo bay today. Demating of the shuttle from the pad systems will continue through Saturday, with rotation of the pads' rotating service structure scheduled for early Sunday morning.

Earlier in the week, the Space Shuttle Program managers met for a 2-day STS-117 Flight Readiness Review. During this meeting managers and engineers review risks associated with the mission and determine whether the shuttle's equipment, support systems and procedures are ready for flight. At the conclusion of the FRR, there was a unanimous decision to proceed with the STS-117 mission, pending resolution of the open work to make necessary repairs to the hail damage on the shuttle.

For previous space shuttle processing status reports, visit: Shuttle Status Reports.