yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (12/19/90)
Tuesday December 18, 1990 11:00 a.m. EST KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING STATUS REPORT ----------------------------------------------------------------- STS-35 -- Columbia (OV 102) The orbiter Columbia atop its 747 shuttle carrier aircraft departed Dryden Flight Research Facility, Calif., this morning at 10:03 a.m. EST en route to its first refueling stop at Biggs Army Air Field, El Paso, Tx. Once at Biggs, managers will conduct a cross country weather assessment to determine if the vehicle can safely continue its journey to the preferred overnight stop location at Barksdale Air Force Base, Shreveport, La., or if it can only make it as far as Kelly Air Force Base, San Antonio, Tx. Arrival at Kennedy Space Center is targeted for early afternoon Wednesday. Once back at KSC, about four days of deservicing is required to safe the vehicle before ground crews can take time off for the holidays. After demate from the SCA, Columbia will be transported to the Vehicle Assembly Building where it will remain for about a month, until Discovery is moved from the Orbiter Processing Facility to the VAB. STS-39 -- Discovery (OV 103) - OPF Bay 1 The STS-39 payload integration verification test continues in the Orbiter Processing Facility. The right hand orbital maneuvering system pod was lifted to the vehicle last night and installation procedures are continuing today. The forward reaction control system will be positioned and installed Thursday night. Mass spectrometer leak checks of the main propulsion system have been completed. Nose cap installation is complete, pending final duct installation. In the Vehicle Assembly Building, the STS-39 external tank is being lifted to the twin solid rocket boosters. Mating operations will commence late this afternoon. STS-37 -- Atlantis (OV-104) - OPF Bay 2 Payload bay deconfiguration is scheduled to be completed today. Auxiliary power unit relief valve work is in progress. APU water valve replacement occurred yesterday as part of normal maintenance on the units. Modifications to install carbon brakes on the vehicle continue today. Work should be completed Thursday.