yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (12/20/89)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - TUESDAY, DEC. 19, 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, a fit check will be performed between the OMBUU and the orbiter's service panel near the aft fuselage. After validating the OMBUU, the plan is to load propellants into several of the power reactant storage and distribution system tanks this week prior to standing down for the holidays. This activity will further validate the operation of this support equipment. Closeouts of the aft compartment are underway today. Final vehicle power down is planned for midnight Thursday. Launch of mission STS-32 is now 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 Joint closeouts of the right center and forward field joints are underway. 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 began yesterday with the left aft booster in the VAB high bay 1 on mobile launcher platform 2. The left aft center segment will be stacked next year.