[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 02/05/90

yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (02/07/90)

                  KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, FEB. 5, 1990

                    STS-36 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - LAUNCH PAD 39-A

               The countdown demonstration test was successfully  conducted
          on Saturday. The test concluded at about 11 a.m. at the T minus 5
          second mark with a simulated main engine shutdown.

               A secondary seal was replaced on the right hand solid rocket
          booster where the safe-and-arm device fits into an opening in the
          igniter adapter.

               Rocketdyne  technicians  are  in the process of removing the
          high pressure fuel turbo pump on  main  engine  number  3  today.
          X-rays  and a dye-penetrant test will be performed on the pump to
          determine if repairs were made to  an  internal  weld.  If  tests
          prove  the repairs were made,  this pump could be reinstalled for
          flight. Work to ready a fuel pump from one of Columbia's main en-
          gines is also underway in an effort to  clear  a  fuel  pump  for
          flight as soon as possible.

                       STS-32 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 1

               The number 2 main engine was removed and taken to the engine
          shop  in  the  VAB yesterday.  Managers are considering using the
          high pressure fuel turbo pump on  engine  2  for  Atlantis'  next
          flight.    Post-flight  orbiter  systems tests are also underway.
          Other activities  planned  today  include  removing  engine  heat
          shields and preparations to remove the robot arm this week.

                       STS-31 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

               Tests  of  the  remote  manipulator system and of orbiter to
          payload connections were completed over the weekend. Heat shields
          are being installed around the main engines  today.  Workers  are
          installing  instrumentation  on  the  carbon brakes this week and
          will install the brakes and wheels later this week.

                       STS-31 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB/RPSF

               Processing activities are running ahead of schedule for  the
          replacement of the right aft booster for Mission STS-31. The seg-
          ment  is  scheduled  to  be  transferred  to the Vehicle Assembly
          Building today for stacking.  Meanwhile,  closeouts of  the  left
          booster are underway in the VAB.