There are 8 Shuttle flights in FY 99, which the Shuttle program said is doable, but they need to realize productivity increases at USA to meet the flight rate with existing resources. AXAF launch is slipping to April and Progress number 250 launches early June for MIR deorbit, which need to be watched and impact the ISS Phase II resource availability as well. A very challenging year for launch rates timing and launch vehicle processing. FGB 2 is a contingency for loss of the FGB, requires 12 months post FGB and a Proton launch vehicle. A Service Module loss would require 3 years to replace.
Lab is red on schedule.
George Abbey was also concerned about software resources over the next three years to support flight elements, training, flights, etc. During the Shuttle briefing, it was stated that there is only 65 days for OPF between flights 3A and 4A, which was doable and less than normal. Also there is only a single launch pad at KSC operable during that period. It was commented that 3A, 4A, and 5A time lines in the ISS assembly sequence need to be protected. It was stated that the hardware certification process at KSC is different for ISS and Shuttle.