[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 12/19/89

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.