yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (12/12/89)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - MONDAY, DEC. 11, 1989
STS- 32 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Early this morning, the pad was cleared of all non essential
personnel for hypergolic propellant loading of the orbiter's onboard
storage tanks. Monomethylhydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide propellants
are being loaded into storage tanks for the reaction control system
and orbital maneuvering system. In addition, hydrazine will be
loaded in tanks for the orbiter's auxiliary power units and for
the boosters' hydraulic power units. This hazardous operation,
scheduled through Tuesday night, requires that the pad be closed
of all non-essential personnel.
On Wednesday third shift, the solid rocket boosters'
hydraulic power units will be "hot fired," or run, for about 20-
30 seconds. The hot fire is necessary because the HPUs were
replaced due to a concern with a cracked housing. Also, one of the
integrated electronic assemblies was replaced.
Two contingency extravehicular mobility units or space suits
have been installed and checked out in Columbia's airlock.
Launch of Mission STS-32 is targeted for Dec. 18 at 7:29
p.m. EST. The launch countdown will begin at 4 p.m. Dec. 15 at
the T minus 43 hour mark. STS-32 flight crew members are
scheduled to arrive at KSC about 7 p.m. Friday.
STS-36 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 1
Operations scheduled this week include preparations to
install the right orbital maneuvering system pod on Wednesday and
the three main engines on Thursday and Friday. Activities
completed last week include leak and functional checks of the
water spray boilers, servicing of the ammonia boilers, a
functional test of the forward reaction control system and
servicing the orbiter with potable water.
STS-33 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2
A functional test of the payload bay doors was completed and
the potty was removed for post-flight troubleshooting. Power up
post-flight systems testing is scheduled this week. Heat shields
have been removed in preparation for engine removal this week.
STS-36 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Stacking operations are continuing. Yesterday, the right
forward center segment was pinned to the stack and the right
forward segment was transferred to the VAB. The right forward
segment will be lifted over the stack tomorrow. A leak check of
the right aft center field joint is underway. Receiving
inspections are being performed on the right forward assembly.