Discovery is in Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 with processing under way for the second Space Shuttle Return to Flight test mission, STS-121. The plugs installed in the Orbiter Maneuvering System and the Forward Reaction Control System for the ferry flight from California were removed. Preparations to remove the three Space Shuttle Main Engines from Discovery continue, with engine removal to begin late next week.

The Orbiter Boom Sensor System is currently scheduled to be removed from the payload bay early next week following the holiday weekend.  Technicians have begun thermography of the 22 Reinforced Carbon-Carbon panels on each wing leading edge. Thermography is a procedure that uses high intensity light to heat areas that are immediately scanned with an infrared camera.

____________________________________________________________

08.26.05

Following Discovery's return from Edwards Air Force Base in California atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft on Sunday, the vehicle was rolled into Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3 to begin its processing for the second Space Shuttle Return to Flight test mission, STS-121.

The orbiter was placed on its jacks and work stands were installed around the vehicle. Obiter window inspections are complete and protective covers installed. The payload bay doors were opened on Wednesday.