yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (12/18/90)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, DEC. 14, 1990 10 a.m.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - DRYDEN
Operations are on schedule to ready the shuttle Columbia for
the return trip to Florida on Monday. Pending good weather and
no problems, Columbia is scheduled to depart Edwards early Sunday
morning. The 747 shuttle carrier aircraft/orbiter will be making
several refueling stops across the country, including a planned
overnight stay at Kelly Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, be-
cause of the extra weight due to Astro.
Once back at KSC, Columbia will be located in the Vehicle
Assembly Building for about one month, until Discovery is ready
to be transferred out of the OPF.
STS-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Yesterday, technicians installed the nose cap. Checks of the
left orbital maneuvering system pod are underway. A test of the
nose wheel steering system was conducted yesterday. A brake
anti-skid test is planned today and an engine flight readiness
test is planned this weekend. During this test, the engine valves
will be cycled and sensors will be calibrated. This test is also
conducted after the vehicle arrives at the launch pad.
Discovery's right orbital maneuvering system pod is being
tested at a maintenance facility on base. While that testing con-
tinues, Atlantis' right OMS pod will be installed on Discovery
this weekend. Discovery is being prepared for rollover to the
Vehicle Assembly Building the end of January.
STS-37 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2
All three main engines have been removed and transferred to
the VAB engine shop for routine tests and checks. Routine
measurements of the liquid hydrogen 17-inch umbilical are under-
way. The carbon brakes will be removed today and shipped to the
vendor for inspections.
Preparations are underway for removal of the right orbital
maneuvering system pod tonight. The pod will be transferred to
Bay 1 for installation on Discovery.
Technicians are deconfiguring the midbody from the previous
mission. The nose cap {_was removed yesterday. Inspections of the
cavity for the forward reaction control system are continuing.
STS-39 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Booster stacking operations have been completed. Overnight,
the right forward assembly was mated to the stack. Closeouts are
underway on all joints.
The external tank is scheduled to be mated to the boosters
on Dec. 18.