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.