yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (07/21/90)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - FRIDAY JULY 20, 1990 10 a.m.
STS-38 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - LAUNCH PAD 39-A
Today, the 48 bolts around the external tank liquid hydrogen
flange will be over torqued by 10 percent in an effort to stop
the leak discovered during last week's tanking test. The bolt
torquing activities were not worked last night as planned because
of measurements taken yesterday. Measurements taken of the bolt
flatness and gap distance did not give the expected results and
mold impressions were made of each bolt. It has been determined
that all bolts are within specifications.
Yesterday, no leakage was detected while the external tank
was pressurized to check for leaks at the flange and around each
bolt.
Later today, the primer around the flange welds will be
removed and a check of the integrity of the flange welds is
planned using a dye penetrant test that will reveal imperfections
in the welds. Workers at KSC are preparing for another tanking
test next Wednesday, July 25.
In parallel with the tank operation, the number 3 auxiliary
power unit was disconnected this morning. Replacement of the unit
is underway today. Tomorrow, the pad will be cleared for about 2
shifts of all non-essential personnel while the new APU is con-
nected. On Sunday, work will center on preparing the vehicle for
Wednesday's test, including installation of baggies and sense
lines and foaming various areas.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 2
Operations to install the 17-inch disconnect into Columbia
are continuing today. Parker Hannifan representatives are here
today to perform tests of the new disconnect. Yesterday, workers
cleaned up hydraulic fluid that dripped from a quick disconnect
onto the right inboard elevon flipper doors. It is now estimated
that about three ounces of fluid leaked out.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
The left orbital maneuvering system pod is scheduled to be
installed tomorrow. Engineers are evaluating one of the uppermost
aft fittings on the pod. Checks of the RTG system are continu-
ing. Thermal protection system operations are underway on all
areas of the vehicle. Pre-flight tests are continuing on the
other systems.
Leak tests and thruster replacements are continuing on the
right orbital maneuvering system pod and forward reaction control
system (FRCS) at the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility. The FRCS is
scheduled to be delivered to the OPF tomorrow for installation on
Monday.
Work is underway to prepare a thruster for installation of
the right OMS pod. The original thruster was damaged on Wednesday
when it fell from a work stand at the HMF. A leaking dynatube in
the thruster was being inspected in the work stand. An evaluation
of the damaged thruster is underway to determine if repairs can
be made. Discovery is being prepared for the STS-41/Ulysses
flight, scheduled for launch in October.
STS-41 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Closeout operations are underway on the solid rocket
boosters.