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.