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.