yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (02/09/90)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, FEB. 8, 1990
STS-36 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - LAUNCH PAD 39-A
One of Columbia's high pressure fuel turbo pumps is being
installed in place of Atlantis' pump on the number 3 engine.
After extensive analysis of x-rays, Columbia's pump was cleared
for flight yesterday. Atlantis' fuel pump is being replaced be-
cause of concern over internal titanium welds. The replacement
pump will be connected to the powerhead today and preliminary
leak checks and duct alignment are planned tomorrow.
Later this afternoon, the pad will be closed while personnel
in protective SCAPE suits retorque a fitting on the left solid
rocket booster hydrazine fuel tank.
NASA and contractor shuttle program managers will meet here
on Friday and Saturday for the Flight Readiness Review (FRR). An
official launch date and period is expected to be announced at
the conclusion of the FRR. The current target launch date for
STS-36 is February 22.
STS-32 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 1
Post-flight orbiter systems tests are underway including
checks of the power reactant storage and distribution system.
Rocketdyne technicians are removing the number 3 engine this
morning and will remove the number 1 engine later today. The en-
gines will be taken to the Vehicle Assembly Building engine shop
for post-flight inspections and for the replacement of several
components.
STS-31 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2
A landing gear functional test is planned tomorrow. Instal-
lation of instrumentation on the carbon brakes is continuing
today.
Modifications are being made to outfit Discovery for the
STS-41 Ulysses mission. Cooling lines are being installed along
the orbiter's fuselage to help control the payload bay environ-
ment from the extra heat produced from the radioisotope ther-
moelectric generators.
STS-31 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB/RPSF
The right aft booster was electrically and mechanically con-
nected to the launch platform yesterday. Early this morning, the
right aft center segment was transferred to the VAB transfer
aisle for stacking operations.