yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (10/17/89)
Space Shuttle Status Report: 4:30 p.m., Sunday, October 15, 1989
Changeout of the #2 main engine computer controller on the Space
Shuttle Atlantis has been completed and the aft main engine
compartment of the orbiter is under closeout as preparations continue
to resume the countdown. The closeout work is expected to be
completed at about 8 o'clock tonight. This activity includes removal
of access platforms, removal of red tag items (hardware not flown
such as engine covers and valve covers), dismantling of the access
stands below the main engines, and reconfiguring the main engines for
launch.
When the clock picks up at midnight, the orbiter midbody
umbilical will be disconnected and final preparations for loading
propellants will begin. On the flight deck, the inertial measurement
units will be warmed up, the communications systems turned on, and
last minute crew items will be stowed aboard. At 8:00 a.m. on
Monday, the clock will enter a 14 hour 7 minute built in hold and
will resume counting at 10:07 p.m. Monday night. The rotating
service structure will be moved back from around the Space Shuttle at
approximately 5:00 p.m. Monday. The Galileo spacecraft is ready for
launch and has had essentially housekeeping chores during the stand
down.
The weather forecast for launch time continues to reflect a 70%
chance of acceptable weather, with scattered to broken clouds, a
temperature of 83 degrees, visibility of 7 miles or greater, and SE
winds at 10 knots gusting to 15 knots.
The crew returned from Houston Saturday evening. Today they
were scheduled for a medical checkup, a status briefing, a review of
their flight plans, and flying in the Shuttle Training Aircraft.
The Launch minus two day review was held at KSC this afternoon
with no significant action items being taken. The new controller is
operating satisfactorily.
Hurricane Jerry is expected to make landfall in Galveston, Texas
tonight. The storm is minimal and is not expected to preclude
further pre-launch activity at Mission Control in Houston.
Launch remains scheduled for 12:57 p.m. on Tuesday.