yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (03/20/90)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, MARCH 19, 1990 - 11:30 a.m.
STS-31 - DISCOVERY (OV-103) - VAB HIGH BAY 1
Over the weekend, workers completed hooking up support
equipment between the vehicle and launch pad. The helium signa-
ture leak test of the orbiter's main propulsion system and three
main engines is underway and will be completed today.
The Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test began this morning
on time at 8 a.m. at the T-24 hour mark. This routine pre-launch
test will culminate with a simulated main engine cutoff at 11
a.m. EST Tuesday. The STS-31 flight crew arrived yesterday to
participate in the test. Today, the crew will be briefed by mem-
bers of the launch team on the status of the vehicle, payload and
overall launch operations here at KSC. In addition, the crew will
receive emergency egress training at Pad-B.
STS-35 - COLUMBIA (OV-102) - OPF BAY 1
The last two main engines were installed this weekend. The
S-band antenna was replaced and retest is underway today. This
antenna, used in transmitting and receiving information from the
ground during the mission, experienced data losses during the
STS-32 mission.
Preparations are continuing to install the Astro payload
into the payload bay tomorrow. Closeouts of the payload bay and
checks of payload wiring in the orbiter are underway today to
ready the vehicle for payload installation.
STS-36 - ATLANTIS (OV-104) - OPF BAY 2
The tail cone and forward reaction control system were
removed over the weekend. The FRCS was transferred to the Hyper-
golic Maintenance Facility for routine maintenance and inspec-
tions. The hydraulic pump for system one was removed from the
aft compartment and will be shipped to the vendor for failure
analysis. Post-flight inspections and systems testing are under-
way.
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.