yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (07/03/90)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS - MONDAY JULY 2, 1990 10 a.m.
STS-38 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - LAUNCH PAD 39-A
Today, a pressurization test of the external tank is planned
to gather additional data about leakage at the 17-inch disconnect
area. The tank will be pressurized to flight level, or 30 pounds
per square inch, with helium while leakage at the 17-inch discon-
nect is monitored. In addition, the tank pressure will be
decreased by increments of 5 psi to collect baseline leakage con-
ditions at ambient temperatures.
A special tanking test last Friday verified a leak in the
orbiter-to-external tank 17-inch umbilical area. Leak detectors
exterior to the umbilical indicated high concentrations of
hydrogen during the loading activity. Data from the tests are
being reviewed.
This weekend, workers moved the Rotating Service Structure
in place around the vehicle and established access to various
parts of the orbiter. Thorough inspections of the aft compart-
ment have been performed and the special instrumentation devices
were calibrated. Nothing unusual was noted from those inspec-
tions. No leakage was detected in the aft compartment during last
Friday's test. The configuration of the vehicle will be main-
tained until further direction from the team investigating the
leak.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 2
The 17-inch disconnect was removed from Columbia Friday and
shipped to the Rockwell plant in Downey, Calif. on Saturday for
testing and analysis. Preparations are underway to install the
disconnect from the Shuttle Endeavour on Columbia this week.
Astro's Broad Band X-ray Telescope will be serviced with ar-
gon today.
STS-41 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Main engine 1 is being installed today. The other two en-
gines are scheduled to be installed today and tomorrow. Repairs
to Discovery's right payload bay door are continuing. Orbiter
structural inspections and routine testing of all the orbiter's
systems were among the activities worked this week. Thermal
protection 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 tomorrow for mate to the
stack in the next few days.