yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (11/04/89)
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT - THURSDAY, NOV. 2, 1989
STS-33 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
Operations to load hypergolic propellants aboard Discovery
for flight are underway today. The pad will remain cleared of all
non-essential personnel while nitrogen tetroxide and
monomethylhydrazine are loaded into the orbital maneuvering
system and reaction control system storage tanks. Overnight,
workers completed loading oxidizer into the forward reaction
control system before a coolant pump at the nitrogen tetroxide
farm failed. Workers are replacing it with a pump from Pad A and
propellant flow operations will resume later today.
Also during this operation, hydrazine will be loaded onboard
for Discovery's auxiliary power units and for the solid rocket
boosters' hydraulic power units. One of the two hydraulic power
units on the left hand solid rocket booster was replaced last
week after it was discovered that the unit came from a lot that
produced at least one unit with a cracked housing. This unit will
be hot fired after the propellant loading operation. Ths
activity is scheduled through Friday.
A helium signature leak test of the main propulsion system
and main engines is scheduled for Monday.
KSC managers will meet today for the Launch Readiness Review
to discuss the center's readiness to conduct the STS-33 launch,
recovery and landing. 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 body flap was positioned for removal of the
tail cone. Also yesterday, during positioning of the elevons for
post-flight inspections of the elevon cove area, the left hand
inboard elevon came in contact with a work platform causing
damage to nine tiles. Structural damage, if any, will be
determined after the tiles have been removed. Technicians are
also preparing to open the payload bay doors today.
STS-32 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 2
Testing of the orbiter's hydraulically operated systems is
underway this week. Yesterday, a functional test of the landing
gear was performed. A flight readiness test of the three main
engines is planned today. Closeouts of the midbody and final
thermal protection system operations are underway. Rollover to
the Vehicle Assembly Building is planned in about two weeks.
STS-32 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS/EXTERNAL TANK - VAB
The external tank and solid rocket boosters were mated
yesterday. Checks of the electrical connections will be conducted
after the mate. The orbiter is scheduled to be mated in the next
few 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.