yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (10/31/90)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, OCT. 30, 1990 10 A.M.
STS-38 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - PAD 39-A
Shuttle officials today selected Nov. 9 as the launch date
for STS-38. The Flight Readiness Review began yesterday and con-
cluded this morning. The launch period extends from 6:30 p.m. to
10:30 p.m.
The flash evaporator system has been serviced with water and
borescope inspections of the water valves are planned today.
A flight readiness test of the three main engines is planned
Wednesday. This test includes a total check of the engines'
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.
Atlantis is scheduled to be launched in early November on
Mission STS-38, a classified Department of Defense flight.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-B
Chilldown of the main propulsion system lines is set to
begin at noon today. Extra time was needed to close the aft com-
partment for the test. The aft was closed at about 1:30 a.m.
today and the Rotating Service Structure was moved in place
around the vehicle at 3:15 a.m.
Today's test is designed to identify and pinpoint any leaks.
Main propulsion system feedlines, main engines and all associated
components in the liquid hydrogen system will be investigated
during the test while the tank is being loaded with propellant.
After the test, the tank will be drained and the residual
liquid hydrogen will be allowed to boil off. The Rotating Service
Structure will be moved in place around the vehicle tomorrow
night. The pad will be reopened sometime Wednesday. Access to
the aft compartment is planned for early Thursday morning.
Engineers have specially outfitted the aft compartment with
10 cameras, several flowmeters, thermocouples and have bagged
several valves for the test.
STS-39 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Residual hypergolic propellants have been drained from the
orbiter and the OPF is scheduled to be reopened today.
Once the bay is open for normal work, preparations will
begin to remove the right orbital maneuvering system pod and the
forward reaction control system. Both vehicle components will be
transferred to the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility for post-
flight inspections.