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Volume 43       Issue 3       Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California           March 30, 2001

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OMM Milestones

Boeing Co. News Services

Here are some other milestones achieved on Columbia during its orbiter major modification (OMM) program:

o Safety and reliability enhancements included measures to protect the orbiter's cooling system and the leading edges of the wings from space debris, strengthening the crew cabin floor and enhancements to the vehicle's hydraulic system.

o An expanded training regimen included training videos, an enhanced orbiter entry/access class, computer-based training and orbiter orientation training. In addition, each employee who worked on the orbiter was required to complete a detailed certification procedure.

o A single Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite navigation receiver and preparation for the future installation of a triply-redundant GPS that may eventually replace the current system. GPS capability will provide more accurate vehicle attitude and location data and reduce Shuttle program costs by eliminating ground stations.

o Several modifications designed to accommodate the possibility of supporting International Space Station missions. Included were electrical and structural provisions to support the use of the orbiter docking system.

o Operational enhancements including increasing Columbia's load-carrying capability; orbital maneuvering system/reaction control system thruster performance improvements; and a series of measures to reduce the orbiter's weight.





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