yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (04/13/90)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT -- THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1990 12 NOON
STS-31 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
Today, the launch team is safing ordnance devices on the
vehicle and will open Discovery's payload bay doors. Plates will
be installed on the aft bulkhead to detect any contamination in
the payload bay.
Yesterday, the auxiliary power unit 1 controller was removed
and flown to the manufacturer, Sunstrand Corp., in Rockford, Ill.
Overnight testing of the controller revealed no problems. Plans
are now being made to remove and replace the auxiliary power unit
itself. A new unit is scheduled to arrive today and will be in-
stalled in the next few days.
Hubble Space Telescope managers are continuing to assess the
best method of charging the nickel-hydrogen batteries. The op-
tions are hooking up the charge to the six batteries or removing
them for charging at another facility.
Yesterday, the liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen reactants
were drained from the power reactant storage and distribution
system.
A new launch date will be determined once the work necessary
to get the vehicle and payload ready for launch has been assessed
and rescheduled.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 1
The payload bay doors have been closed and the orbiter's
weight and center of gravity are being determined. Columbia will
be placed on its transporter tonight. Transfer of Columbia to the
Vehicle Assembly Building is planned for mid-second shift
Friday, April 13. While in the VAB for about six days, Columbia
will be attached to its external tank.
STS-38 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2
Checkout of the main propulsion system is underway. The new
number 3 fuel cell was installed last night and will be hooked up
today. Technicians are replacing thermal control blankets under
the radiators with staple-free blankets.