[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 08/14/90

yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (08/15/90)

           KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, AUGUST 14 1990  9:30 A.M.

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

               The Shuttle Interface Test  is  scheduled  to  be  completed
          today.  Launch pad validations and leak checks of the power reac-
          tant storage and distribution system have been completed. Gaseous
          oxygen flow control valves are  being  leak  checked  and  tested
          today.

               Routine  tests  of the main propulsion system are continuing
          this week.  Preparations are underway to conduct a helium  signa-
          ture leak check of the three main engines on Thursday.

               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

               Operations to demate the shuttle Atlantis from the  external
          tank  picked back up about 1 a.m.  today.  Demate operations were
          held up yesterday because a valve in the VAB firex system  failed
          causing  water  to  drip  onto power transformers.   There was no
          water on flight hardware.  The water has been cleaned up and  the
          firex  system has been secured.  The firex valve will be repaired
          after demate.

               Atlantis is scheduled to be towed to the  OPF  late  tonight
          where  work  to ready it for the STS-38 mission will commence in-
          cluding replacing seals in the 17-inch  disconnect  assembly  and
          for repairs to tiles.

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

               Leak  and  functional tests of the auxiliary power units are
          underway.   The payload bay doors  are  scheduled  to  be  opened
          today. Rigging of the main landing gear doors and tile operations
          around the doors are underway. All areas of the vehicle are being
          closed  out  for  roll to the VAB.  Sampling of water in the  RTG
          system is scheduled today.   The date of Aug.  18 for rolling the
          vehicle over to the VAB is being evaluated.  The routine rollover
          review meeting will be held Friday.