yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (06/28/90)
KSC Space Shuttle Processing Status Report Wednesday June 27, 1990 10:00 a.m. ----------------------------------------------------------------- STS-38 -- Atlantis (OV 104) - Launch Pad 39-A Hypergolic operations to load nitrogen tetroxide and monomethylhydrazine into the orbiter's storage tanks were completed early yesterday afternoon. These propellants are used in the orbiter's orbital maneuvering systems and reaction control systems. Hypergolic quick disconnect lines are currently being inspected. The liquid hydrogen tanking test remains on schedule for tomorrow afternoon at 4:00 p.m. This test entails flowing the super-cold liquid hydrogen through the orbiter's aft compartment into the external tank via the 17-inch umbilical disconnect lines. Engineers hope to detect any possible leaks that may be present under cryogenic conditions. Preparations for this test are in work today. The liquid hydrogen tank purge was completed overnight. Aft compartment inspections are underway and should be completed by late tonight to support the tanking test tomorrow. The rotating service structure is scheduled to be moved to the park position mid-morning tomorrow. Thursday and Friday of this week STS-38 mission managers will be meeting at KSC for the scheduled Flight Readiness Review. Following the conclusion of the meeting Friday, a launch date is expected to be announced for Atlantis' Department of Defense dedicated mission. STS-35 -- Columbia (OV 102) - OPF Bay 2 The 17-inch liquid hydrogen umbilical valve is scheduled to be removed from the orbiter this week and shipped out to the vendor for analysis. Meanwhile, the replacement valve from the orbiter Endeavour, now under construction in Palmdale, Calif., was removed last night and is scheduled to arrive at KSC on Thursday. Work to install the new valve should begin next week. The nose landing gear on the orbiter was cycled successfully last night. Columbia and the ASTRO-1 payload will remain in the Orbiter Processing Facility through liftoff of the Shuttle Atlantis. Columbia is scheduled for launch from Pad 39-A in August. STS-41 -- Discovery (OV 103) - OPF Bay 1 In Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1, cargo interface testing is continuing. Body flap internal structural inspections, flight controls, and hydraulic controls are in work this week. The hydraulic lines fill and bleed operation is also currently in work. Water spray boiler checkout and servicing will be picked up later this morning. Discovery's forward reaction control system thrusters will be bench tested this week in the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility. Discovery's next mission is Ulysses, an international project to study the polar regions of the Sun. Launch of STS-41 is scheduled for October 5, 1990 from pad 39-B. STS-41 Solid Rocket Boosters -- VAB high bay 1 The right act center segment was lifted into high bay 1 last night and stacking operations are in work.