[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 05/09/91

yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (05/10/91)

             KSC SHUTTLE STATUS  -  THURSDAY, MAY 9, 1991  -- 10:00 a.m.
          _________________________________________________________________

                   STS-40/SLS-1  -  COLUMBIA (OV 102)  -  PAD 39-B
                                    LAUNCH - MAY
          WORK IN PROGRESS:
          *  Hypergolic propellant loading operations through tonight
          *  Pad cleared for hypergolic loads
          *  Recertification of portable breathing unit that fell from
               mounting in SLS module. No damage to unit or module.

          WORK COMPLETED:
          *  Launch Readiness Review -- no outstanding issues identified
          *  Gaseous hydrogen dispersion test on mobile launcher platform
          *  Liquid hydrogen umbilical closeouts
          *  SLS late stowage demonstration test.

          WORK SCHEDULED:
          *  Reinstallation of breathing unit into SLS module Friday night
          *  Ordnance operations this weekend
          *  Flight Readiness Review scheduled for May 13-14

                  STS-43/TDRS-E  - ATLANTIS (OV 104)  -  OPF Bay 2
                                 LAUNCH JULY\AUGUST
          WORK IN PROGRESS:
          *  Auxiliary Power Unit leak and functional test
          *  Onboard fuel cell system test
          *  Thermal protection system tile work

          WORK COMPLETED:
          *  Main propulsion system helium system leak and functional test
          *  TDRS mated to Inertial Upper Stage yesterday in Vertical
               Processing Facility

          WORK SCHEDULED:
          *  Removal of two forward thrusters, F2U and F3U, for further
               assessment of possible oxidizer leak. No foreseen impact to
               current schedule.

                  STS-39/DoD  --  DISCOVERY (OV 103)  -  OPF BAY 1

          WORK IN PROGRESS:
          *  Off loading of residual propellants from the fuel cells
          *  Installation of access platforms around vehicle

          WORK SCHEDULED:
          *  Retrieval of entry data from onboard recorders
          *  Open payload bay doors late Thursday night

               STS-49  --  ENDEAVOUR (0V 105)  --  VAB TRANSFER AISLE

               Endeavour, currently in the VAB transfer aisle, will be
          towed to the VAB high bay 2 tomorrow mid-day. In bay 2, limited
          work will be performed until the orbiter can be moved into an
          Orbiter Processing Facility bay.