[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 09/21/90

yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (09/22/90)

          KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, SEPT. 21, 1990 11:30 AM


                       STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B

               Final securing of the high pressure turbo pump fuel duct  on
          main  engine  2 has been completed and a flight readiness test of
          the main engines is underway.  Engine valves  and  acutators  are
          cycled  during this test.  A partial helium signature test is set
          for tomorrow as part of checks of the new duct.

               Flight batteries for the Ulysses Inertial Upper Stage   were
          installed  yesterday.  Flight  batteries  for  the Payload Assist
          Module-S are being installed today.  A routine systems  state  of
          health checks of the Ulysses spacecraft are underway.

               As  a precautionary measure,  leak checks and inspections of
          cover seals for the engine pre-valves are planned early tomorrow.
          These seals were replaced  as  required  since  Discovery's  last
          flight.

               Discovery  and the Ulysses spacecraft are being prepared for
          an early October launch.  The official launch date will be set at
          the Flight Readiness Review scheduled to conclude next Tuesday.

                        STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A

               Workers  gained  access to the aft compartment yesterday and
          have begun preliminary inspections. Technicians are continuing to
          remove foam from around valves, actuators and areas of the recir-
          culation pump package to allow further inspections and tests.

               Details and requirements are being identified for a  tanking
          test. A definite date for the test has not yet been set.

               Propellant  tanks  for  the  orbital  maneuvering system and
          reaction control  system  will  be  depressurized  late  tonight.
          Preparations to remove an auxiliary power unit are underway. This
          unit will reinstalled on Atlantis for the STS-38 mission.


                       STS-38 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2

               Power  up  testing  is continuing today.  Moisture checks of
          freon cooling loop 2 are planned today.   Pressurization and leak
          tests  are  planned  on  the flash evaporator.  Atlantis is being
          prepared for rollover to the VAB early next month.