yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (03/08/91)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, MAR. 7, 1991 - 11 a.m.
STS-37/GAMMA RAY OBSERVATORY - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2
LAUNCH - APRIL
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Preparations for roll over to the VAB now targeted for late in
the afternoon tomorrow.
- Weight and center of gravity determination.
- Troubleshooting of noise seen on main power bus A has revealed
that the aerosurface amplifier (ASA) no. 1 will need to be re-
placed. This electronic component is located in the aft compart-
ment and is part of the guidance system. This unit provides
aerosurface position information. A frequency response test of
the orbiter's flight control system is required to retest the
unit. This test is scheduled while the vehicle is in the VAB.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Payload bay door closure.
- Final power down.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Transfer of the vehicle to the Vehicle Assembly Building tomor-
row afternoon.
CONCERNS:
- Space flight management cleared Atlantis for flight at a spe-
cial meeting last night to discuss small hairline cracks on the
lug hinges on the external tank umbilical door drive mechanisms.
Tests and analysis show that there will be no threat to vehicle
performance either on the ground or in flight.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - VAB
LAUNCH - LATE APRIL, EARLY MAY
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Rolling back from pad 39-A. First motion came at 5:14 a.m.
after problems with the crawler transporter's jack and leveling
system were corrected. Orbiter was at the VAB doorway by about
10:30 a.m.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Preparations to demate the orbiter from the external tank. Ac-
tual demate is planned next week after Atlantis is mated.
STS-40/SPACELAB LIFE SCIENCES 1 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 1
LAUNCH - MAY
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Removal of the external tank umbilical door drive mechanism lug
hinges for shipment to the Rockwell plant in California. The
hinges will be beefed up and sent back to KSC for installation.
- Tests of the power reactant storage and distribution system.
- Offloading residual hypergolic propellant from the orbital
maneuvering system and reaction control system.
- Checks of the main propulsion system helium system.
- X-rays of brazes of the environmental control system dump
nozzle.
- Replacement of the payload bay door environmental seal.
- Replacement of a radiator controller.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Brake anti-skid test and nose wheel steering test.