[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 08/15/90

yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (08/16/90)

           KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15 1990  11 A.M.

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

                The Orbiter Midbody Umbilical Unit is  being  connected  to
          the shuttle today. Main propulsion system flow control valves are
          being  leak  checked  and  tested.  Preparations  are underway to
          begin the helium signature leak check of the shuttle's three main
          engines and main propulsions system at  8  a.m.  tomorrow.    The
          Shuttle Interface Test has been completed.

               Preparations  for  servicing  the  orbiter  with  hypergolic
          propellants are continuing.  Servicing is set to begin Friday af-
          ternoon and will continue through the weekend.

               The Flight Readiness Review,  where shuttle managers set the
          official launch date, is scheduled for Aug. 20-21 here at Kennedy
          Space Center.


                     STS-38 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - VAB HIGH BAY 3

               Atlantis was demated from the external tank last  night  and
          rolled  into the OPF at about 3:10 a.m.  Access to the vehicle is
          being established.   Work to ready it for the STS-38 mission will
          commence  including replacing seals in the 17-inch disconnect as-
          sembly and for repairs to tiles.


                       STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1

               The payload bay doors were opened yesterday  and  the  robot
          arm was deployed for installation of witness plates which monitor
          debris.  Rigging  of  the main landing gear doors and tile opera-
          tions around the doors are underway. All areas of the vehicle are
          being closed out for roll to the VAB.  Work to install the galley
          is underway.  The date for rolling the vehicle over to the VAB is
          being evaluated. The routine rollover review meeting will be held
          Friday.