[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 03/29/91

yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (04/04/91)

          KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, MAR. 29, 1991 - 11  a.m.


             STS-37/GAMMA RAY OBSERVATORY - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - PAD 39-B
                                  LAUNCH - APRIL 5

          WORK IN PROGRESS:
          - Pressurization of the hypergolic propellant system tanks.
          - Gamma Ray Observatory battery conditioning.
          - Purges of the external tank.
          - Launch countdown preparations.

          WORK COMPLETED:
          - Part two of ordnance operations.
          - Loading the mass memory units for flight.
          - Purges of the power reactant storage and distribution system.

          WORK SCHEDULED:
          - Closeouts of the aft compartment.
          - Launch countdown begins at 5:30 a.m. EST, April 2.
          - Flight crew arrives at 3:30 p.m. EST, April 2.
          - Launch April 5 at 9:18 a.m. EST.

                        STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - VAB
                                 LAUNCH - LATE APRIL

          WORK IN PROGRESS:
          - Shuttle Interface Test to verify connections  between  the  or-
          biter and launch platform and between the vehicle elements.
          - Preparations to roll out to Launch Pad 39-A at 4 a.m.  EST Mon-
          day, April 1.
          - Thermal protection system operations.

          WORK SCHEDULED:
          - Retraction of work platforms away from the vehicle tomorrow.
          - Rollout to Launch Pad 39-A Monday.


           STS-40/SPACELAB LIFE SCIENCES 1 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 1
                                    LAUNCH - MAY

          WORK IN PROGRESS:
          - Interface verification tests between the Spacelab Life Sciences
          payload and the orbiter.
          - Thermal protection system operations.
          - Orbital maneuvering system pod functional checks.
          - Auxiliary power unit lube oil servicing and leak and functional
          tests.
          - Installation of the modified and beefed up external  tank  door
          bellcrank housings.



                         STS-40 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB

          WORK IN PROGRESS:
          -  Transferring  the  right  aft  booster to the Vehicle Assembly
          Building.

          WORK SCHEDULED:
          - Stacking the right aft booster tomorrow.

          WORK COMPLETED:
          - Attaching the left aft center segment to the left booster.