yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (07/20/90)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - THURSDAY JULY 19, 1990 11:30 a.m.
STS-38 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - LAUNCH PAD 39-A
The external tank is being pressurized this morning to check
for leakage at the flange and around each bolt. This evening,
each of the 48 bolts around the flange will be over torqued by 10
percent. Tomorrow, the integrity of the flange welds will be in-
spected with a dye penetrant test to reveal any imperfections in
the welds. Workers at KSC are preparing for another tanking test
next Wednesday, July 25.
Two leak paths in the foam were detected around the flange
yesterday by a dye injection test. These paths are being
evaluated to determine if any leakage could have migrated into
the larger baggie.
Preparations to remove auxiliary power unit number 3 are
continuing today. Replacement of the unit is scheduled tomorrow.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 2
Operations to install the 17-inch disconnect into Columbia
are continuing today. Parker Hannifan representatives are
scheduled to arrive at KSC this week to perform tests of the new
disconnect. Workers are cleaning up hydraulic fluid that leaked
from a quick disconnect onto the right inboard elevon flipper
doors last night. It is estimated that about one cup of fluid
leaked out.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
The left orbital maneuvering system pod arrived at the OPF
last night and preparations are underway to install the pod
tomorrow. Checks of the RTG system are continuing. 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 Saturday for installation on
Monday.
A thruster, removed from the right OMS pod for inspection of
its dynatube, was damaged last night when it fell from the test
support stand. The unit was not secured properly in the test
stand. A spare thruster will be used in its place. 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.