yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (09/16/90)
[Illness prevented a more timely posting. I'm really having a great
month trying to get these updates out! -PEY]
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 12, 1990 12 PM
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
A helium signature leak test of the liquid hydrogen system
was successfully completed early this morning. Overnight, tech-
nicians replaced a damaged teflon cover seal for the engine 3
pre-valve. Part of the investigation of the hydrogen leak in-
volved leak tests of the engine pre-valves. Tests performed this
past weekend indicate a leak just over specification at that par-
ticular cover seal. The two and a half inch diameter seal was re-
placed yesterday by the vendor.
Officials believe the damaged seal was the cause of the high
concentrations of hydrogen detected in the aft compartment during
the previous launch attempts of Columbia.
Closeouts of the aft compartment are scheduled to begin
later tonight. Launch countdown preparations are scheduled to
begin tomorrow. A launch date announcement is expected today.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
An interface verification test for the Ulysses payload has
been completed and preparations for the end-to-end test are un-
derway. That test is planned tomorrow.
Preparations are underway to load hypergolic propellants
aboard the orbiter this weekend. The pad will be closed to all
non-essential personnel for this operation.
The Countdown Demonstration Test was successfully conducted
yesterday.
STS-38 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2
Operations to replace the flash evaporator are continuing.
Brazing operations are scheduled today.
Tile repairs are continuing and thermal control blankets are
being installed on the forward bulkhead.
Atlantis is being prepared for rollover to the VAB the end
of the month.