yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (02/26/91)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, FEB. 25, 1991 - 9:30 a.m.
STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD A
LAUNCH - MARCH 1991
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Evaluation of cracks in hinges for the external tank right and
left umbilical doors. (See concerns.)
- Main engine flight readiness test.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Loading of hypergolic propellants on board the orbiter was com-
pleted Saturday.
- Retest of the thruster heater on the right orbital maneuvering
system pod.
- Part two of the hydrogen dispersal system blowdown.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Installation of ordnance devices on Wednesday.
- Flight Readiness Review this week.
CONCERNS:
- Tests are underway on the orbiter Columbia to duplicate the
cracked hinge situation on Discovery. Columbia's external tank
doors will be cycled several times and evaluated. Test results
will be analyzed and officials will determine the best course of
action. Pre-launch activities for STS-39 will continue as
scheduled until a determination is made.
STS-37/GAMMA RAY OBSERVATORY - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2
LAUNCH - APRIL 1991
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Thermal protection system operations.
- Inspections of the inboard elevon seals.
- Aft closeouts.
- Circulating hydraulic fluid in preparation for tests of the
orbiter's flight control aerosurface and a gimbal clearance check
of the three main engines.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Servicing the auxiliary power units with lube oil.
- Functional tests of the waste containment system.
- Retest of the new power drive unit for the left hand external
tank umbilical door.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Transfer the vehicle to the Vehicle Assembly Building on
March 4.
STS-40/SPACELAB LIFE SCIENCES 1 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 1
LAUNCH - MAY
WORK IN PROGRESS:
- Tests of the external tank umbilical door hinges.
- Tests of the power reactant storage and distribution system.
- Preparations for draining the auxiliary power unit catch
bottles.
WORK SCHEDULED:
- Deservicing the auxiliary power units of lube oil.
- Deservicing the orbital maneuvering system and reaction control
system.
WORK COMPLETED:
- Removal of the three main engines yesterday.
- Installation of the nose landing gear tires.
- Removal of the waste dump valve.