yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (02/02/90)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, FEB. 1, 1990
STS-36 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - LAUNCH PAD 39-A
Overnight, technicians removed heat shields and carrier
panels from around the number 3 main engine in preparation for
removing the high pressure fuel turbo pump. Pump removal opera-
tions are underway today. Managers decided to replace the high
pressure fuel turbopump after analyzing x-rays of internal welds
which revealed imperfections in a titanium inlet. However, en-
gineers have not been able to establish definitely from records
whether the repairs were performed or not.
The Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test with the STS-36
flight crew is set for Feb. 2-3. The count is scheduled to begin
at 8 a.m. EST Friday and the T zero is planned for 11 a.m. Satur-
day. The STS-36 flight crew is scheduled to arrive at KSC at
about 3:30 p.m. today to participate in this pre-launch test.
STS-32 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 1
Workers removed the protective tail cone from the orbiter
and will begin preparations to remove the 3 engines for post-
flight inspections and tests. Post-flight orbiter systems tests
are also underway today. Other activities planned today include a
test of the radar altimeter, a pull test of the external tank
latch and preparations to remove the robot arm.
STS-31 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2
Activities planned this week include leak checks of the main
propulsion system, and servicing the water spray boilers with
hydraulic fluid. A flight readiness test of the three main en-
gines was conducted overnight. This test exercises the engines'
hydraulically driven valves. The brake anti-skid test has been
completed and the orbiter's aerosurfaces have been positioned for
thermal protection system operations.
STS-31 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB/RPSF
The new STS-31 aft booster, previously designated for STS-
35, is being prepared for stacking in the Rotation Processing and
Surge Facility. This week, the upper and diagonal struts, cables
and the aft integrated electronics assembly are scheduled to be
installed. Meanwhile, closeouts of the left booster are underway
in the VAB.