yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (09/27/90)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 26, 1990 11:30 AM
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
The two space suits carried aboard Discovery for contingency
purposes are being installed in the airlock today. Later today, a
test to simulate launch day events for the Inertial Upper Stage
will begin. The test is planned to start at about 5 p.m. tonight
and will end with a simulated T-0 at about 7:30 tomorrow morning.
Tomorrow, a purge of the external tank is planned and the
freon system will be topped off for launch.
On Friday, hypergolic propellant tanks on board the orbiter
will be pressurized and closed out, and ordnance devices will be
installed and firing circuits will be checked.
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. Out of over 200
joints in the main propulsion system, the team has 83 joints that
are possible contributors to the leakage.
Details and requirements are being identified for a tanking
test next month. A definite date for the test has not yet been
set.
STS-38 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2
The auxiliary power unit was installed yesterday. Tech-
nicians are adjusting the amount of freon in cooling loop 2. In-
spections of the radiator are continuing. Seals for the 17 inch
disconnect assembly are scheduled to be installed Friday.
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 operations scheduled next week.