yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (11/04/89)
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT - FRIDAY, NOV. 3, 1989
STS-33 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
Loading of hypergolic propellants aboard Discovery for
flight are continuing. The pad will remain cleared of all non-
essential personnel during the loading operations. Yesterday,
workers replaced a coolant pump at the nitrogen tetroxide farm at
the pad. Overnight, workers completed loading nitrogen tetroxide
into the orbiter's storage tanks. Monomethylhydrazine was loaded
into the orbital maneuvering system and reaction control system
storage tanks.
Also during this operation, hydrazine will be loaded onboard
for Discovery's auxiliary power units and for the solid rocket
boosters' hydraulic power units. The hot fire of the hydraulic
power units is being postponed to allow resolution of an incident
at the vendor involving a test failure of a unit. The pad will be
reopened later today and workers will prepare to replace putty
and a seal around the right hand solid rocket booster igniter. The
putty did not set up properly. The pad will be closed tomorrow
for about 12 hours for this operation.
Sunday, preparations for the helium signature leak test of
the main propulsion system and main engines will begin for the
test scheduled on Monday.
Shuttle managers will meet at KSC on Nov. 6-7 for
the Flight Readiness Review to assess the readiness for the safe
and successful conduct of the STS-33 launch, mission, landing and
recovery. An official launch date is also expected to be
announced at the conclusion of the review.
STS-36 - ATLANTIS (0V 104) - OPF BAY 1
Yesterday, the tail cone was removed and the payload bay
doors were opened for the functional test. Also yesterday, nine
damaged tiles were removed on the left inboard elevon. Structural
inspections are planned today. Heat shields are scheduled to be
removed this weekend in preparation for main engine removal next
week.
STS-32 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 2
Testing of the orbiter's hydraulically operated systems is
underway this week. A flight readiness test of the three main
engines was conducted yesterday. Closeouts of the midbody and
final thermal protection system operations are underway. Rollover
to the Vehicle Assembly Building is targeted for Nov. 13.
STS-32 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS/EXTERNAL TANK - VAB
Connections between the external tank and solid rocket
boosters are underway today. Tests of those connections are
planned. The orbiter is scheduled to be mated in the next couple
of weeks.
STS-36 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - RPSF
Technicians are building up the left and right aft solid
rocket boosters. Stacking is scheduled to begin with the left aft
booster this weekend.