yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (03/06/91)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, MAR. 5, 1991 - 10 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 late on March 7 or early
the next day.
- Closeouts of the midbody and aft compartment in preparation for
rollover to the VAB.
- Positive pressure tests of the vehicle.
- Troubleshooting of noise on main power bus A. Intermittent
spikes occurred when the orbiter's hydraulic system was being ac-
tivated this weekend.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Aft positive pressure test.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Transfer of the vehicle to the Vehicle Assembly Building on
March 7 or 8.
CONCERNS:
- Evaluation of a very small crack on each of the forward lug
hinges of the left and right external tank umbilical door drive
mechanisms is underway. These cracks were found after evaluation
of several dye penetrant tests and borescope inspections. Addi-
tional dye penetrant tests are underway today to recheck all four
lug hinges. 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
no earlier than 2 a.m. March 7.
- Offloading hypergolic propellants from the orbital maneuvering
system and reaction control system on Tuesday.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Disconnection of ordnance devices.
- Transferring the STS-39 Air Force Program 675 payload from
Discovery's payload bay to the Payload Changeout Room on Monday.
STS-40/SPACELAB LIFE SCIENCES 1 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 1
LAUNCH - MAY
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Filling and bleeding of the orbiter's hydraulic system.
- Tests of the power reactant storage and distribution system.
- Offloading residual hypergolic propellant from the orbital
maneuvering system and reaction control system.
- Preparations to drain the auxiliary power unit catch bottles.
- 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.