yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (02/28/90)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, FEB. 27, 1990 - 10 AM
STS-36 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - LAUNCH PAD 39-A
The STS-36 launch countdown is now underway leading up to a
third tanking and launch attempt. Pending favorable weather con-
ditions, launch is set for no earlier than Wednesday, Feb. 28 be-
tween 12 a.m. and 4 a.m. EST.
Weather forecasts indicate there is a 60 percent chance of
being able to launch during the period on Wednesday. Winds are
forecast to be from the east northeast direction at 10 knots
gusting to 16 knots. A low cloud layer between 4,000 - 6,500 is
also forecast to be in the area during the launch period. The ex-
pected temperature is between 62-66 degrees.
Today, the launch team will prepare for loading the external
tank with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellants. Since
the 48-hour launch postponement, the propellant storage farms at
Launch Pad 39-A have been replenished to support two more tank-
ings.
Other launch preparations include activating the orbiter's
communications system, stowing time critical items in the crew
cabin, preparing the pad facility and equipment for launch and
replacing the seals around the gaseous oxygen vent arm. There is
a requirement to replace the vent arm seals after several tank-
ings.
The five-member STS-36 flight crew returned to Houston last
night at 9 p.m. and are due back late this morning. Commander
John Creighton, Pilot John Casper and Mission Specialist David
Hilmers practiced ascents in the shuttle simulator at the Johnson
Space Center overnight.
Later this evening, the flight crew will be awakened, have
breakfast, don their flight suits and depart the Operations and
Checkout Building for Pad 39-A. They will be assisted in the Pad
white room with last minute gear before taking their assigned
seats in Atlantis' crew cabin.