yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (12/13/90)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - Wednesday, Dec. 12, 1990 10 a.m. STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - DRYDEN KSC turnaround crews at Dryden Flight Research Facility are preparing the orbiter Columbia for the return trip to Florida. Pending good weather and no problems in processing activities, 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 an overnight stay at Kelly Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, because 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 The fourth oxygen tank set for the power reactant storage and distribution system has been installed. Checks of the main propulsion system are continuing. Technicians are scheduled to install the nose cap today. Checks of the left orbital maneuver- ing system pod are underway. A test of the nose wheel steering system and a brake anti- skid test are planned tomorrow. The orbiter hydraulic system is being prepared for these tests. Discovery is being prepared for rollover to the Vehicle As- sembly Building the end of January. STS-37 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2 Early this morning, the forward reaction control system was removed and will be transferred to the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility today for required tests. The left orbital maneuvering system pod was transferred to the HMF on Saturday for required interval testing. Main engine drying operations have been completed and preparations to remove the engines are underway. The first engine is scheduled to be removed tonight and the other two are scheduled to come out tomorrow. STS-39 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB Stacking operations are continuing in the VAB. The left for- ward segment was pinned to the stack. The left forward assembly is scheduled to be mated today and the right forward assembly is ready to be mated tomorrow. Closeouts are underway on all joints. The external tank is scheduled to be mated to the boosters on Dec. 18.