yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (03/21/90)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 1990 - 11 a.m.
STS-31 - DISCOVERY (OV-103) - PAD 39-B
The Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test is culminated suc-
cessfully today with a simulated main engine cutoff shortly after
11 a.m. The mock countdown began yesterday at 8 a.m. at the T-24
hour mark. The STS-31 flight crew, which took part in the test,
will return to Houston today for final mission preparations.
Preparations are underway to load hypergolic propellants
into Discovery's onboard storage tanks. This activity is
scheduled to begin today and will continue for the next few days.
Monomethylhydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide will be loaded into
the orbital maneuvering system and reaction control system
storage tanks. Hydrazine will be loaded into the orbiter's
auxiliary power unit storage tanks and the boosters'hydraulic
power unit storage tanks. Today, engineers are analyzing samples
taken at the monomethylhydrazine farm.
The helium signature leak test of the orbiter's main propul-
sion system and three main engines was completed yesterday. A
leak was detected in the system and engineers are working to
identify and characterize the leak.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV-102) - OPF BAY 1
Technicians finished cleaning the payload bay and installa-
tion of the Astro payload is scheduled today. Once the payload
is in the bay, electrical and mechanical connections will begin
between the payload and vehicle. Tests of the connections will
follow.
This week, checks of the water spray boilers and leak
checks of the elevon cove seal area are underway.
STS-36 - ATLANTIS (OV-104) - OPF BAY 2
Post-flight inspections and systems testing are underway.
The payload bay doors are open and the Ku-band antenna has been
deployed for testing. Post-flight thermal protection system
operations and waterproofing are underway. Heat shields are being
removed from around the main engines in preparation for engine
removal.
STS-35 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB HIGH BAY 3
Closeouts of the solid rocket boosters are underway this
week. The boosters are stacked on mobile launcher platform 3. The
external tank is scheduled to be mated on Thursday.