yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (12/09/89)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, DEC. 8, 1989
STS- 32 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-A
Closeouts of the aft compartment are underway today
including installation of thermal blankets in the avionics bays,
final work on the main engines, inspections and cleaning. Checks
of the forward and aft reaction control system regulators are
scheduled today. Two contingency extravehicular mobility units or
space suits are scheduled to be installed and checked out in
Columbia's airlock tomorrow.
On Sunday, workers will begin loading hypergolic
propellants, monomethylhydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide, 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.
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-36 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 1
Operations scheduled this week include leak and functional
checks of the water spray boilers, preparations to service the
ammonia boilers, a functional test of the forward reaction
control system and servicing the orbiter with potable water.
Installation of the right orbital maneuvering system pod and the
three main engines is planned for next week.
STS-33 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2
The orbiter was powered up yesterday and the tail cone was
removed. The payload bay door strongbacks were attached yesterday
for a functional test of the doors today.
STS-36 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Stacking operations are continuing. Yesterday, the right aft
center segment was pinned to the stack and the forward center
segment was transferred to the VAB. The right forward center
segment will be lifted over the stack tomorrow and mated Sunday.
Closeouts of the left forward field joint and leak checks are in
work.