yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (11/30/90)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, NOV. 14, 1990 9:30 A.M.
STS-38 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - PAD 39-A
KSC launch team members are involved in routine operations
to ready the STS-38 vehicle for launch.
Countdown activities completed include activating the
orbiter's communications system, testing the orbiter's navigation
aids, preparing the tail service masts for launch and installing
the crew seats in the crew cabin.
Today, the Rotating Service Structure will be moved to the
launch position away from the vehicle, the gaseous oxygen vent
arm will be prepared for launch, and the inertial measurement
units will be activated and warmed up.
Weather forecasts during the launch period Thursday have im-
proved. There is a 60 percent chance that the overall conditions
will be acceptable for launch. Launch day weather concerns are
crosswinds at the KSC Shuttle Landing Facility. Scattered clouds
are forecast between 4,000 and 7,000 feet and between 30,000 and
33,000 feet. Winds are expected to be out of the east at 15 knots
gusting to 25 knots.
Launch of Atlantis and Mission STS-38 on a classified
Department of Defense flight remains set for Nov. 15. The four-
hour launch period begins at 6:30 p.m. EST Thursday, Nov. 15.
The five-member flight crew arrived at KSC about 5:30 p.m.
yesterday. Today, the crew will fly in the T-38 jets and receive
routine status briefings on the vehicle, payload and weather.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-B
Preparations are underway to top off and repressurize the
hydrazine tank for auxiliary power unit number 1 today. Only
those personnel essential to the job will be allowed into the
pad.
The first part of ordnance operations is planned Friday. The
pad will be cleared during this operation.
Pad B will be cleared tomorrow from 8 a.m. to late in the
evening for the STS-38 launch.
Columbia and the Astro payload are being prepared for launch
on Mission STS-35. A launch date will be set at the Flight
Readiess Review scheduled for Nov. 27.
STS-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Operations scheduled this week include structural inspec-
tions of the nose cap and inspections of thrusters on the left
orbital maneuvering system pod. Radiator panels were removed and
inspections of the payload bay doors are planned.
A screen test of the fuel tanks on the right orbital
maneuvering system (OMS) pod is planned today. The pod is located
at the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility.
STS-39 BOOSTERS - VAB
STS-39 booster stacking operations are continuing in the
VAB. The second segment, the left aft center segment was pinned
to the booster last night. The left forward center segment was
transferred to the VAB early this morning and is scheduled to be
lifted to the high bay this morning. This segment will be mated
by Friday.