ejbehr@rs6000.cmp.ilstu.edu (Eric Behr) (05/24/91)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 1991 - 11:30 AM
STS-40/SPACELAB LIFE SCIENCES 1 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-B
LAUNCH - POSTPONED UNTIL LATE NEXT WEEK
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Preparations to replace the multiplexer demultiplexer (MDM), 9
cryogenic propellant temperature transducers and general purpose
computer no. 4.
- Preparations to disconnect ordnance devices.
- Removal of lockers in the middeck.
- Removal of foam from around the temperature transducers.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Access to the aft compartment.
- Offloaded liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen reactants from
Columbia's onboard storage tanks.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Disconnection of ordnance devices beginning at 8 p.m. tonight.
The pad will be closed during this activity.
- Replacement of the main propulsion system temperature
transducers beginning at midnight.
- Replacement of the new MDM beginning at midnight.
FLIGHT CREW:
- STS-40 crew Commander Bryan O'Connor, Pilot Sidney Gutierrez,
Mission Specialist James Bagian and Rhea Seddon and Payload
Specialist Millie Hughes-Fulford departed KSC at about 9:30 a.m.
enroute to Houston. Mission Specialist Tamara Jernigan and
Payload Specialist Drew Gaffney are planning to return to Houston
tomorrow.
STS-43/TDRS - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Cycles of the external tank doors.
- Thermal protection system operations.
- Potable water servicing.
- Water spray boiler leak and functional tests.
- Main engine and main propulsion system tests.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Installation of the four external tank umbilical door housings.
- Installation of the three shuttle main engines.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- External tank door functional test later this week.
STS-48/UARS - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Work in the midbody.
- Preparations to remove the three shuttle main engines.
- Thermal protection system operations.
- Inspections of the orbiter's hydraulic system.
- Tests of the Ku-band antenna.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Removal of auxiliary power unit no. 3.
- Removed nine main propulsion system temperature transducers for
x-rays.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Removal of the three shuttle main engines next week.
STS-49 - ENDEAVOUR (OV 105) - VAB HIGH BAY 2
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Purges of the freon coolant loop.
- Installation of platforms in the midbody and aft compartment.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Removal of the tail cone.
AFTERNOON SHUTTLE STATUS 5-22-91
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - WEDNESDAY, MAY 22 4 P.M.
AFTERNOON UPDATE
STS-40 - COLUMBIA/SPACELAB LIFE SCIENCES - LAUNCH PAD 39-B
KSC processing teams are continuing work on a processing
schedule which could lead to launch of Columbia on Saturday, June
1. The two-hour launch window opens at 8 a.m. EDT. Preparations
are in work to replace the nine propellant temperature
transducers, the multiplexer demultiplexer (MDM) and the no. 4
general purpose computer.
Workers are scheduled to disconnect ordnance devices from 8
p.m. to midnight tonight. The pad will be closed to all non-
essential personnel during this operation.
Replacement of all components is scheduled to begin at mid-
night tonight after the pad has been reopened and will continue
through tomorrow. Retest of the transducers and the GPC is
scheduled to complete by tomorrow afternoon. Retest of the MDM
requires more time and is scheduled to continue through Saturday.
Launch countdown preparations will begin Saturday. Ordnance
devices will be reconnected and closed out for flight next week.
The countdown is scheduled to begin Tuesday at 5 p.m. with the
countdown clock at the T-43 hour mark.
--
Eric Behr, Illinois State University, Mathematics Department
Internet: ejbehr@rs6000.cmp.ilstu.edu Bitnet: ebehr@ilstu