yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (11/07/90)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, NOV. 5, 1990 11 A.M.
STS-38 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - PAD 39-A
Work to ready the vehicle for the STS-38 launch is proceed-
ing. Closeouts of the aft compartment are in work. Dye penetrant
tests of the main engine high pressure fuel ducts were success-
ful. A functional check of the crew hatch was successfully com-
pleted this weekend.
The two space suits are scheduled to be installed in the air
lock tomorrow. Two suits are routinely flown on board the orbiter
in case of an unplanned space walk during the mission. Purges of
the external tank are planned tomorrow.
Atlantis is scheduled to be launched on Mission STS-38, a
classified Department of Defense flight. Last week, Air Force of-
ficials identified a problem with the payload which delayed the
launch. A new launch date has not yet been set.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-B
A helium signature leak test of the liquid oxygen side of
the main propulsion system is scheduled today. The tanking test
exonerated any leaks within the liquid hydrogen side of the sys-
tem.
Flow checks of the aft reaction control system are underway
today. Work is continuing to restore the aft compartment back to
the normal launch configuration. Friday, the Broad Band X-Ray
Telescope was serviced with argon.
Columbia and the Astro payload are being prepared for launch
on Mission STS-35.
STS-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Operations planned today include pulling the nose cap for
structural inspections, checks of the S-band antenna, a test of
the radar altimeter, and thermal protection system operations.
Last weekend, the right orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pod
and the forward reaction control system (FRCS) were removed. Both
vehicle components were transferred to the Hypergolic Maintenance
Facility for post-flight inspections.
Heat shield removal is starting today in preparation for
removing the three main engines late this week.