yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (11/01/90)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, OCT. 31, 1990 10 A.M.
STS-38 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - PAD 39-A
A flight readiness test of the three main engines began
early this morning. This test includes a total check of the en-
gines' electrical system and cycling of the engine valves. Later
this week, ordnance devices will be installed on the vehicle and
tests of the firing circuits will be conducted.
Closeouts of the aft compartment will begin tomorrow and the
two contingency space suits will be installed in the airlock
Friday. As standard practice, two suits are always flown in the
shuttle in case of an unplanned space walk during the mission.
Atlantis is scheduled to be launched on Nov. 9 on Mission
STS-38, a classified Department of Defense flight. The launch
period extends from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-B
Yesterday, the KSC team successfully completed a liquid
hydrogen tanking test with no leakage. Data collected from the
test is still being evaluated. However, no other work is planned
on the liquid hydrogen system and another tanking test won't be
necessary.
During the test, main propulsion system feedlines, main en-
gines and all associated components in the liquid hydrogen system
were investigated. The aft was specially outfitted with 10
cameras, bagged joints and instrumentation.
The tank was drained of liquid hydrogen and the residuals
are being boiled off today. Boil off is estimated to be completed
by about 4 p.m. and the Rotating Service Structure will be moved
in place around the vehicle about 6 p.m. tonight. The pad will be
reopened and access to the aft compartment is planned for early
Thursday morning. Work will begin to deconfigure the aft from the
test.
STS-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Preparations are underway to remove the right orbital
maneuvering system (OMS) pod and the forward reaction control
system (FRCS). The OMS pod is scheduled for removal Friday and
the FRCS removal is planned Sunday. Both vehicle components will
be transferred to the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility for post-
flight inspections. Preparations are beginning to remove the
three main engines late next week.
ENDEAVOUR (OV 105) SSME - VAB
The first of three main engines for the shuttle Endeavour
arrived at KSC yesterday from Stennis Space Center. The engine
will be uncrated and inspected in the Vehicle Assembly Building
main engine shop. Engine number 2032 will be stored in the engine
shop until Endeavour arrives in May of next year. This engine
features the improved controller with a larger capacity memory
and upgraded wire harnesses.c8921212@frey.nu.oz.au (Luke Plaizier) (11/02/90)
yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) writes: > ENDEAVOUR (OV 105) SSME - VAB ^^^^^^^^^ Hurrah! Even though she isn't there yet, this is what we've all been waiting for - just the mention of the word Endeavour means business.... Keep up the good word Pete. TTFN - Luke.