baalke@mars.jpl.nasa.gov (Ron Baalke) (03/21/91)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, MAR. 20, 1991 - 10 a.m.
STS-37/GAMMA RAY OBSERVATORY - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - PAD 39-B
LAUNCH - APRIL
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test with T-0 at 11 a.m.
- Preparations for the interface verification tests between the
orbiter and the Gamma Ray Observatory payload.
- Inspections of orbiter components in the aft compartment due to
the water intrusion.
- Preparations for loading hypergolic propellants into the or-
biter.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Mating the Orbiter Midbody Umbilical Unit.
- Start of the countdown test.
- Flight crew sharp edge inspection of the Gamma Ray Observatory.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Gamma Ray interface test tomorrow.
- Loading hypergolic propellants into the orbiter this weekend.
- Launch Readiness Review March 21.
- Flight Readiness Review March 26-27.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2
LAUNCH - LATE APRIL, EARLY MAY
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Rigging of the right hand external tank door hinge housings and
cycling of the doors to retest.
- Thermal protection system operations.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Roll to the Vehicle Assembly Building early next week.
STS-40/SPACELAB LIFE SCIENCES 1 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 1
LAUNCH - MAY
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Testing connections for the payload.
- Installation of space shuttle main engine no. 2.
- Preparations to service the ammonia boilers.
- Orbital maneuvering system pod functional tests.
- Thermal protection system operations.
- Preparations to replace the S-band antenna.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Installation of the Spacelab Life Sciences payload into the or-
biter this weekend.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Removal of about 10 tiles around the S-band antenna for access.
- Installation of main engines no. 1 and 3.
STS-40 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
The left and right aft skirts have been removed from the
mobile launcher platform. Earlier this week, gauges attached to
the aft skirts and hold down posts gave readings about the loads
that are not understood. The concern is that the posts are not
aligned properly.
Yesterday, officials decided to destack the boosters, take
optical measurements and realign the posts. Once the optical work
is complete, the boosters are scheduled to be restacked on
Saturday. Schedule impacts are currently being assessed.
___ _____ ___
/_ /| /____/ \ /_ /| Ron Baalke | baalke@mars.jpl.nasa.gov
| | | | __ \ /| | | | Jet Propulsion Lab |
___| | | | |__) |/ | | |___ M/S 301-355 | Change is constant.
/___| | | | ___/ | |/__ /| Pasadena, CA 91109 |
|_____|/ |_|/ |_____|/ |