yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (02/24/90)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, FEB. 23, 1990 - 11:30 AM
STS-36 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - LAUNCH PAD 39-A
Shuttle managers decided to postpone the launch another 24-
hours based on an unfavorable weather forecast for Saturday.
Commander John Creighton was cleared for flight this morning
and has been practicing in Shuttle Training Aircraft with pilot
John Casper.
Yesterday, the Rotating Service Structure was moved into
place around the vehicle to offer some protection for the orbiter
from rain and wind. Plans are to leave the structure around the
vehicle overnight for weather protection. Early tomorrow morning,
the structure will be moved back to the launch position.
Technicians will replace a protective covering called
"butcher paper" on the forward reaction control system thrusters
today. This paper is wet and has come loose. In addition, the
thruster area will be inspected and drained of any rainwater.
The STS-36 launch countdown, which has been in our unplanned
hold since yesterday afternoon, will resume tomorrow morning.
The countdown was held for a second time yesterday to give Com-
mander Creighton time to recover from an upper respiratory tract
infection and because the weather forecast did not look favorable
at that time.
Weather forecasts indicate there is only a 20 percent chance
of being able to launch during the period on Saturday. The con-
cern is over predicted high winds, clouds, ceilings below 8,000
feet and rain. Winds are forecast to be from the southwest direc-
tion at 12 knots gusting to 24 knots.
The forecast for Sunday is much better with an 80 percent
chance of being within the launch weather criteria. Cooler tem-
peratures in the 40s are expected on Sunday after the cold front
moves through the area.
Pending favorable weather conditions, liftoff of Mission
STS-36 is scheduled to occur no earlier than Sunday, Feb. 25,
during a four-hour period extending from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. EST.