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.