yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (04/30/91)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, APRIL 29, 1991 - 10:30 AM
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - ON ORBIT
Discovery was launched at 7:33:14.07812 a.m. EDT Sunday,
April 28 after a brief delay to analyze the sudden start of an
onboard orbiter and payload recorder. After a discussion, offi-
cials determined that there was no problem with the orbiter's
computers and the countdown was resumed.
Landing is planned on Monday, May 6 at 2:57 p.m. EDT at Ed-
wards Air Force Base, Calif.
Damage to the launch pad was reported as very minimal this
morning.
The solid rocket boosters are being towed by the recovery
ships to Hangar AF. They are scheduled to arrive at the Hangar at
about 5 p.m. today. Safing the boosters is the first order of
business. Afterwards, they will be inspected and washed down.
Thermal foam and exterior cork will be removed with high pressure
water. Disassembly operations are scheduled to take about 10
days.
STS-40/SPACELAB LIFE SCIENCES 1 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - VAB
LAUNCH - MAY
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Shuttle Interface Test began early this morning.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Orbiter Columbia mated to the external tank.
- Electrical and mechanical connections between the vehicle
elements and the launch platform.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Rollout to Launch Pad 39-B targeted for 12:01 a.m. Thursday,
May 2.
- Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test May 6-7.
- Flight Readiness Review planned May 13-14.
STS-43 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Sniff checks of the orbital maneuvering system motor valves.
- Preparations to drain residual hypergolic propellants from the
onboard storage tanks.
- Auxiliary power unit lube oil service.
- Preparations to remove the three main engines.
- Stacking of the first booster segment, the left aft booster, in
the VAB.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Removal of external tank umbilical housings.
- Draining the waste management system.
- Main engine drying operations.
- Removal of the remote manipulator system.
- Replacement of the no. 3 fuel cell.
- Replacement of window no. 1.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Removal of the three main engines late tomorrrow.
ENDEAVOUR (OV 105) - PALMDALE, CALIF.
Endeavour is being prepared for delivery to KSC this week.
The new orbiter was rolled out of the Rockwell manufacturing
plant on April 25. Endeavour is scheduled to be mated to the
agency's new 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft on Wednesday.
The first leg of the cross country ferry flight, from
California to Texas, is scheduled for May 2. A refueling and an
overnight stop is planned at Ellington Field in Houston, Texas.
The journey, from Texas to Florida, will continue the next day
with the estimated time of arrival at KSC is midday.