[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 07/03/90

yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (07/04/90)

                 KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - TUESDAY JULY 3, 1990  10 a.m.

                    STS-38 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - LAUNCH PAD 39-A

               Yesterday,  a  pressurization  test  of  the  external  tank
          revealed  no  leaks at the 17-inch disconnect area.  The tank was
          pressurized to flight level with helium while engineers monitored
          for leakage at the 17-inch disconnect.  As part of the test,  the
          tank  pressure  was  decreased  incrementally to collect baseline
          leakage conditions at ambient temperatures.

               Today,  engineers will review data and get  signatures  from
          the  two  leak  detectors and sensors located on various parts of
          Atlantis. The configuration of the vehicle will be maintained un-
          til further direction from the team investigating the leak.

                       STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 2

               Preparations are continuing  to install the disconnect  from
          the  Shuttle Endeavour on Columbia this week.  Astro's Broad Band
          X-ray Telescope was serviced with argon yesterday.

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

               Main engines 1 and 3 were installed yesterday.  The number 2
          main  engine  is  scheduled  to  be installed today.   Repairs to
          Discovery's right payload bay door are continuing. Orbiter struc-
          tural inspections and routine testing of all the  orbiter's  sys-
          tems were among the activities worked this week.  Thermal protec-
          tion system operations are underway on all areas of the vehicle.

               Tests are continuing on the two orbital  maneuvering  system
          pods  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

               The  right  forward center segment is scheduled to be trans-
          ferred to the Vehicle Assembly Building next week for mate to the
          stack in the next few days.  Closeout operations of the  boosters
          are scheduled.