yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (12/21/89)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20, 1989 STS-32 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A Today, work continues to validate systems at Pad 39-A to be used in loading liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen propellants into the orbiter's onboard storage tanks. One of the major pieces of equipment being validated is the Orbiter Midbody Umbilical Unit (OMBUU) at the Pad used to service the orbiter with propellants during the launch countdown. Today, leak checks of connections between the OMBUU and the orbiter's service panel near the aft fuselage are planned. Earlier plans to load propellants into three of the five power reactant storage and distribution system tanks this week have been changed. Procedures for the propellant load need to be rewritten and reviewed by engineers prior to the operation. A step in the procedure involving swaping hoses between the various tank sets is being revised to preclude interference with equipment in the vicinity. Closeouts of the aft compartment are underway with the flight doors scheduled for installation today. Final vehicle power down is planned for midnight Thursday. Launch of mission STS-32 is planned for Jan. 8 at 8:06 a.m. EST. STS-36 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 1 Operations scheduled this week include main engine installation activities, midbody closeouts, inspection of the thermal protection system, and preparations to power down for the holidays. STS-33 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2 Power up post-flight systems testing and inspections are scheduled this week. Technicians are readying the vehicle for the upcoming holidays. Later this week, the payload bay doors will be closed and the orbiter will be powered down. STS-36 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB Field joint closeouts are continuing. The external tank is scheduled to be mated the end of the week prior to the holidays. STS-31 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB Stacking operations of the left aft booster are underway in the VAB high bay 1 on mobile launcher platform 2. The next segment, the left aft center, will be stacked after the holidays.