[sci.space.shuttle] Launch Advisory for 03/06/91

yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (03/07/91)

Mark Hess/Ed Campion                             March 6, 1991
NASA Headquarters, Washington, D.C.        6:45 p.m. EST
(Phone:  202/453-8536)

Lisa Malone
Kennedy Space Center, Fla.
(Phone:  407/867-2468)


STS-37 MISSION ADVISORY

     NASA managers today gave the go ahead for Space Shuttle 
Atlantis to be matted to its launch stack in preparation for the
STS-37 Gamma Ray Observatory mission.  This decision follows an 
investigation into small cracks found on the external tank door drive 
mechanism housing.  Tests and analysis show that the cracks pose no 
threat to vehicle performance either on the ground or in flight.

     Atlantis is expected to move to the Vehicle Assembly Building for 
mating operations on Friday, March 8th.  Launch of STS-37 is 
targeted for early April.  The official launch date will be set at the 
Flight Readiness Review later this month.