[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 01/12/90

yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (01/13/90)

                  KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, JAN. 12, 1990


                       STS-36 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 1

               Cleaning of the midbody is scheduled to begin  later  today.
          After cleaning is complete,  the payload bay doors will be closed
          for the move to the VAB.  Heat shields have been installed around
          the number three main engine. A positive pressure structural leak
          test  is  planned to begin tonight and will continue for the next
          few days.

               Orbiter hydraulic system operations are  planned  today  and
          tomorrow including a functional test of the landing gear.

               Rollover  to  the  Vehicle Assembly Building is targeted for
          Wednesday,  Jan.  17.  Atlantis will be mounted  on  the  orbiter
          transporter  and  towed  to  the VAB transfer aisle.  In the VAB,
          overhead cranes will be hooked to the orbiter to hoist it off the
          transporter and into position near the external tank.


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


               Activities planned this week  include  tests  of  the  power
          reactant  storage and distribution system,  checks of the orbital
          maneuvering system and reaction control system,  leak  and  func-
          tional testing of the auxiliary power units, checks of the liquid
          oxygen main propulsion system  and checks of the orbiter's S-band
          communications  system.  Preparations are underway to install the
          robot arm in the payload bay next week.


                         STS-31 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB


               The  left  forward  assembly  was  inspected  yesterday   in
          preparation  for  stacking.  Joint  closeouts are underway on the
          left booster.   Today,  the right aft booster is scheduled to  be
          transferred to the VAB transfer aisle for stacking.