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.
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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.