yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (02/21/90)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, FEB. 19, 1990
STS-36 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - LAUNCH PAD 39-A
The launch countdown began on time at 8 p.m. EST last night.
All activities are on schedule to support Thursday's launch.
Liftoff of Mission STS-36 is scheduled to occur during a four-
hour period extending from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. EST on Feb. 22.
Today, the launch team will be activating Atlantis' naviga-
tion system, stowing flight crew equipment, performing final
closeouts on the main propulsion system and preparing for loading
the power reactant storage and distribution system with liquid
oxygen and liquid hydrogen reactants tonight.
The aft engine compartment was closed out for flight this
morning and the aft structural leak check is underway.
The five-member astronaut crew arrived at KSC at 11 p.m.
last night and will be participating in the routine pre-launch
activities such as practice flights in T-38 training jets and in
the Shuttle Training Aircraft and review of flight data files.
Weather forecasts indicate there is a 40 percent chance of
violating criteria during the launch period on Thursday. The con-
cern is over predicted high winds and clouds making the ceilings
in the area below 8,000 feet. Winds are forecast to be from the
southeast at 12 knots gusting to 18 knots. Clouds are forecast to
be scattered at various levels and broken from 26,000 to 29,000
feet. The expected temperature is about 63 degrees F.
NASA and contractor shuttle program managers will meet here
tomorrow for the routine launch minus two-day review.
STS-32 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 1
Post-flight orbiter systems tests are underway including
checks of the waste containment system, troubleshooting of the
humidity separator, leak and functional checks of the auxiliary
power units, and checkout of the orbital maneuvering system pods.
STS-31 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2
Technicians will pressurize the right hand main landing gear
tires today. A brake anti-skid test is scheduled for later this
week. The external tank doors are scheduled to be cycled for a
functional test and for thermal protection system operations.
STS-31 - SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Joint closeouts are underway and preparations have begun for
mating the external tank to the solid rocket boosters later this
week.