yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (09/28/90)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, SEPT. 27, 1990 11:30 AM
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
The two space suits carried aboard Discovery for contingency
purposes were installed in the airlock yesterday. A test to simu-
late launch day events for the Inertial Upper Stage and Payload
Assist Module-S was successfully completed this morning.
Today, a purge of the external tank is planned and the freon
system will be topped off for launch.
At midnight tonight, the pad is scheduled to be closed while
ordnance devices are loaded on board the orbiter and firing cir-
cuits are checked. Tomorrow, the orbiter's hypergolic propellant
tanks will be pressurized and closed out.
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 on 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. 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.
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
Exhaust duct leak checks of the auxiliary power unit are
planned today. Seals for the 17 inch disconnect assembly are
scheduled to be installed Friday. The 4 inch disconnect seals
have been installed. Closeouts are underway on all areas of the
vehicle. 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 opera-
tions scheduled next week.