yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (03/07/91)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, MAR. 6, 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 no earlier than 8 a.m.
Friday.
- Positive pressure tests of the vehicle.
- Engineers continue troubleshooting noise seen on main power bus
A. Intermittent spikes occurred when the orbiter's hydraulic sys-
tem was being activated last weekend. This issue is not a con-
straint to rolling over to the VAB. Further tests can be per-
formed in the VAB and at the launch pad.
- Cleaning of the payload bay.
- Tire measurements.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Aft compartment is closed out.
- Right nose landing gear tire was replaced.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Transfer of the vehicle to the Vehicle Assembly Building on
March 8.
CONCERNS:
- Space flight management is continuing their evaluation of small
hairline cracks on the lug hinges on the left and right external
tank umbilical door drive mechanisms. These cracks were found
after evaluation of several dye penetrant tests and borescope in-
spections. A resolution is expected before the orbiter is trans-
ferred to the VAB.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD A
LAUNCH - LATE APRIL, EARLY MAY
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Preparations for rolling back to the Vehicle Assembly Building
at 2 a.m. tomorrow.
- Final power down.
- Rotating Service Structure move away from the vehicle at about
5:30 p.m.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Offloading hypergolic propellants from the orbital maneuvering
system and reaction control system.
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.
- Installation of the environmental control system dump nozzle.
- Replacement of the payload bay door environmental seal.
- Replacement of a radiator controller.
- Tests of the nose wheel steering system.
- Brake anti-skid test.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Filling and bleeding the orbiter's hydraulic system.