yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (07/17/90)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - MONDAY JULY 16, 1990 11:30 a.m.
STS-38 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - LAUNCH PAD 39-A
A second liquid hydrogen tanking test was conducted last
Friday. A leak was found at the external tank flange that mates
to its 17-inch disconnect. Today, photographs of the aft compart-
ment will be taken and thorough inspections of the aft will be
made. The hazardous gas detection system is being calibrated and
the flow rates of purges in the baggies are being measured.
Preparations to remove auxiliary power unit number 3 will
begin today. Since Atlantis has been at the pad, the vendor has
identified a time-life issue of this unit. The other two APUs are
refurbished units.
The Rotating Service Structure was moved back in place
around the vehicle on Saturday.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 2
Operations to install the 17-inch disconnect into Columbia
are continuing. Engineers will be evaluating a video tape made
this weekend of a borescope inspection of the flange on the ex-
ternal tank. A leak check of the newly replaced 4-inch recircula-
tion line was successful.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Hydraulic operations completed this weekend include filling
and bleeding the system and a test of the flight control aerosur-
faces. The main engine Flight Readiness Test was successfully
conducted. During this test, the engine valves are opened and
closed in order and on time. In addition, the engine controllers
receive a complete electrical test. Technicians are continuing to
install heat shields around the three main engines today. Thermal
protection system operations are underway on all areas of the
vehicle.
Leak tests and thruster replacements are continuing on the
two orbital maneuvering system pods and forward reaction control
system at the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility. Discovery is being
prepared for the STS-41/Ulysses flight, scheduled for launch in
October.
STS-41 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Closeout operations of the boosters are underway.