yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (02/08/90)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, FEB. 7, 1990
STS-36 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - LAUNCH PAD 39-A
One of Columbia's high pressure fuel turbo pumps was taken
to the launch pad yesterday for possible installation on Atlan-
tis' number 3 engine. X-rays are being taken of Atlantis' fuel
pump today to examine internal titanium welds. Engineers are
analyzing x-rays and documentation of both pumps in an effort to
clear one for flight.
KSC managers met today for the routine Launch Readiness
Review and determined the center is ready for the launch pending
the completion of planned work. 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.
Other activities planned today include removing engine heat
shields in preparation for engine removal. The engines 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 today. Workers are
installing instrumentation on the carbon brakes and will install
the brakes and wheels later this week.
Preliminary modifications are being made to outfit Discovery
for the STS-41 Ulysses mission. Cooling lines will be installed
along the orbiter's fuselage to help control the payload bay en-
vironment with the extra heat produced from the radioisotope
thermoelectric generators.
STS-31 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB/RPSF
Processing activities are running ahead of schedule for the
right aft booster for Mission STS-31. The aft booster segment was
lifted into the high bay yesterday for stacking. Meanwhile,
closeouts of the left booster are underway in the VAB.