yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (04/12/90)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT -- TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 1990 12 NOON
STS-31 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
Launch of Discovery was scrubbed yesterday at the T minus 4
minute mark when a problem was detected with auxiliary power unit
number 1. The three APUs provide pressure for the orbiter's three
hydraulic systems. Operation of all three APUs is required before
launch.
Today, the launch team will remove one of the flight doors
from the aft engine compartment where the APU and its controller
are located. Technicians will remove and replace the controller
for APU 1 later today. The controller is 6 inches wide, 7.5
inches high and 19 inches long and weighs about 15 pounds. It
controls the speed of the APU. The controller will be shipped to
the vendor, Sunstrand Corp, Rockford, Ill.
Officials are continuing to analyze data to determine
whether the APU itself needs replacing. Hubble Space Telescope
managers will be assessing the best method of charging the
nickel-hydrogen batteries. The options are hooking up the charge
to the six batteries or removing them for charging at another
facility.
Meanwhile, after the controller is replaced, technicians
will drain liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen reactants from the
power reactant storage and distribution system. Tomorrow morning,
ordnance devices on the vehicle will be safed.
The STS-31 flight crew left the Shuttle Landing Facility in
T-38 aircraft at 10:30 this morning enroute to Houston, Texas.
A new launch date will be determined once the work necessary
to get the vehicle and payload ready for launch has been iden-
tified and scheduled.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 1
Preparations are underway to close the payload bay doors
this evening. Cleaning and inspections are underway. The aft com-
partment is scheduled to be closed today and the orbiter's weight
and center of gravity will be determined. Columbia will be placed
on its transporter tomorrow. Transfer of Columbia to the Vehicle
Assembly Building is planned for midnight Friday, April 13. While
in the VAB for about six days, Columbia will be attached to the
external tank and the umbilicals at the launch platform tail
service masts.
STS-38 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2
Checkout of the main propulsion system is underway. The new
number 3 fuel cell is scheduled to be installed tonight. Tech-
nicians installed the chin panel last night. Technicians are
replacing thermal control blankets under the radiators with
staple-free blankets.