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.