[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 12/03/90

yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (12/04/90)

             KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - Monday, Dec. 3, 1990  9:30 a.m.


                             STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102)

               Launch of Columbia occurred at 1:49:01.0789 a.m. EST Sunday,
          Dec. 2.  Launch was held about 21 minutes to allow the range time
          to  observe  low  level clouds in the area that could obscure in-
          struments that track the shuttle during ascent.  Damage to Launch
          Pad 39-B was reported to be minimal.

               The  solid  rocket boosters are scheduled to reach Hangar AF
          on the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station this morning. The Freedom
          Star is towing the left booster and the Liberty  Star  is  towing
          the  right  booster.  They  will  be disassembled at Hangar AF in
          preparation for refurbishment.

                       STS-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1

               Both freon cooling loops passed leak tests this weekend  and
          freon servicing is planned this week. The three main engines have
          been installed in the vehicle. Operations scheduled this week in-
          clude tests of the Ku-band antenna,  servicing of the water spray
          boilers, and a functional test of the waste containment system.

               Tests of the right orbital maneuvering system (OMS)  pod  to
          verify  the  internal  screens  in the propellant tanks have been
          successful at the Hypergolic Maintenance  Facility  (HMF).  Tests
          will continue this week with the pod in a horizontal position.


                       STS-37 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2

               The  high bay is closed to all non-essential personnel today
          while technicians in protective suits  continue to drain residual
          oxidizer and fuel from the orbital maneuvering  system  crossfeed
          lines and manifold. This operation was started yesterday.

               The  left  OMS  pod  is  scheduled  to be removed Friday and
          transferred to the HMF  for  post-flight  operations.  The  three
          auxiliary power units have been deserviced of lube oil.

                         STS-39 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB

               Stacking operations are continuing in the VAB. The right aft
          center  segment is being pinned today.  The right forward segment
          will be  transferred  from  the  Rotation  Processing  and  Surge
          Facility to the VAB tonight.