Boeing Expects July Shuttle Mission to Deliver Key
International Space Station Component

Boeing is getting ready to complete the second major portion of the International Space Station, with launch of the final element of this phase scheduled for next month.

Problems with the station's robotic arm were casting some doubt about when the final element, the air lock module, could be delivered by the Space Shuttle. But that mission is now on for July 12, with a go-ahead decision to be made this week, said Mike Moft, VP and general manager of Boeing Human Space Flight and Exploration. That puts the mission about a month behind schedule

Three issues caused the delay, mainly that several software problems threatened to interfere with the smooth operation of the robot arm. Mission planners were concerned the arm would lock while moving the air lock from the Shuttle to the ISS. If that happened, the module could have sustained damage because it would have been without power too long. Those issues have now been resolved, although some final tests remain to be run, said Brewster Shaw, Boeing's ISS manager.

Installation of the air lock would complete the second of three phases in ISS assembly and marks a critical event for Boeing because it would mean completion of the second of seven performance milestones for its in-orbit performance.

Boeing still expects to complete the final phase of ISS assembly in 2006, although several issues remain to be resolved. For instance, NASA doesn't have the money to pay for all the required components and has turned to ESA and the Japanese space agency for help. The two critical issues are how to provide a crew rescue vehicle, and a habitation module to allow the crew to grow from three to six. If the crew size can't be increased, ISS would remain underutilized.

Moft said Boeing has been asked to update studies on keeping the Shuttle in orbit longer. It is currently limited to about 21 days. Longer in-orbit time would allow NASA to use the Shuttle as way to house and rescue crew if needed. But the Shuttle would need to carry more consumables, such as propellant, than it does currently.

By Robert Wall