yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (09/22/89)
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT - THURSDAY, SEPT. 21, 1989
STS-34 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - PAD 39-B
Based on the uncertainty of Hurricane Hugo's track last
night, shuttle managers decided to stop the main engine flight
readiness test and to disconnect Atlantis and its launch platform
from the Pad to prepare for a possible roll back to the Vehicle
Assembly Building. This morning's weather forecast indicates that
KSC will not be threatened by the hurricane. Earlier today,
Hugo's location was about 270 miles east to northeast of KSC.
Some rain is expected this afternoon and peak winds are predicted
to be 20-40 knots - within the limits for the vehicle.
The Rotating Service Structure (RSS) was moved away from the
vehicle early this morning in preparation for the rollback. The
structure will remain away from the vehicle in order to maintain
a "ride-out" position until 8 p.m. this evening. The vehicle is
currently in a configuration that would support a rollback if
necessary and the crawler transporter will remain at the Pad's
gate.
At about 12 noon today, workers will begin reconnections
between the launch platform and shuttle. The RSS is currently
scheduled to be moved back around Atlantis at about 8 a.m.
tomorrow. Pad access arms will be positioned later this eveing.
Shuttle managers will continue keeping a close eye on
Hurricane Hugo today. Impacts to the Oct. 12 launch date are
being assessed.
STS-33 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
A self test of the Ku-band antenna was conducted yesterday.
The main propulsion system is being tested today and servicing
of the water spray boilers is scheduled. Thermal protection
system operations are continuing. Preparations to closeout and
clean the payload bay are underway.
STS-32 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 2
Operations scheduled this week include functional checks of
the water spray boilers, leak and functional tests of the main
propulsion system and thermal protection system operations.
Preparations are underway to install the remote manipulator
system in a few weeks.
STS-33 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Technicians are closing out the joints on the right and left
boosters for flight. Preparations to mate the external tank are
scheduled for early next week.
STS-32 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Mobile launcher platform 3 is scheduled to be transferred
back inside the VAB later today. Once the platform has been
secured in the VAB, about 24 hours after its arrival, booster
stacking operations can resume.