yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (09/29/90)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, SEPT. 28, 1990 11:30 AM
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
A purge of the external tank was completed yesterday and the
freon system has been topped off for flight.
The pad is closed for ordnance operations. These explosive
devices have been loaded and the firing circuits are being
checked. Tonight, the orbiter's hypergolic propellant tanks will
be pressurized and closed out.
The team is evaluating an increase in the hydraulic fluid
system reservoirs located on the right solid rocket booster aft
skirt.
Closeouts of the orbiter's aft compartment are underway.
This work includes applying foam to various areas of the main
propulsion system, final inspections of various components, main
engine closeouts, cleaning and removing platforms for flight. The
aft is scheduled to be closed out for flight late Saturday or
early Sunday.
Discovery and the Ulysses spacecraft are being prepared for
an October 6 launch date. The launch countdown will begin at 3:30
a.m. EDT Wednesday, Oct. 3, at the T-43 hour mark, leading up to
the liftoff at 7:35 a.m. EDT.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Leak tests are continuing on the main propulsion system
valves, actuators and areas of the recirculation pump package to
try to isolate the source of the leak. All joints have been leak
checked and nothing has been detected so far. The KSC team is
working with the tiger team assigned to find the fuel leak. The
team is planning to leak test a prevalve for main engine 2 using
dry ice to cool it down this weekend.
Details and requirements are being identified for a tanking
test next month. The date for conducting the test is being
evaluated.
STS-38 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2
Checks of the auxiliary power unit controller are planned
today. Seals for the 17 inch disconnect assembly are scheduled to
be installed today. Closeouts are underway on all areas of the
vehicle. Cleaning operations of the payload bay are scheduled to
begin tonight. The payload bay doors are scheduled to be closed
tomorrow night. Atlantis is being prepared for rollover to the
VAB at midnight Tuesday, Oct. 2. Closeouts of the external tank
are continuing in the VAB in preparation for orbiter mating
operations scheduled next week.