NASA-LLIS-0222

Abstract

<strong>Description of Driving Event:</strong> <br>Some of the original equipment manufacturers are not providing sufficient support for out-ofproduction parts. NASA and its contractors have evolved good systems for identifying and tracking these problems, but the difficulties of ensuring continuing production with small batches of obsolescent or semi-obsolescent parts inevitably will increase with orbiter age. The problem involves balancing the alternatives of purchasing and storage of excess parts, establishing manufacturing facilities and skills at KSC, or potentially facing critical shortages. The heart of the problem is that many manufacturers simply do not want to devote any more manpower or effort to revive production. The study of possible alternative source vendors for critical parts continues but is necessarily a slow and complex process. <br>The 1990 ASAP annual report concerned with structural overhaul and dealt principally with the visit on OV-102 at the Palmdale facility scheduled to begin in June 1991. A review of the major modifications necessary to bring OV-102 up to the standard of OV-105 was included. During the work on OV-102, a "3-year" and a "6-year" structural inspection will be performed. It is assumed that this will provide the information necessary to define a basic structural overhaul program. This program would then be fitted into available intervals in the launch program up to 1995 for all four orbiters. <br>A second element of longer term maintenance program planning has been defined but apparently is not presently funded. It is known as "orbiter supportability plan - project 2020" and is intended to provide a basis for ensuring a rational program for orderly maintenance and support of the fleet through the assembly of the SSF. The outline of the plan properly embraces the interfaces of the existing major contractors and the operating NASA centers, and outlines an organizational support formula. This formula includes detailed line replaceable unit supportability and full structural integrity accountability. The ASAP has an interest in seeing this program go forward as planned.