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.