[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 09/05/89

yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (09/06/89)

             KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT - MONDAY, SEPT. 5, 1989

                       STS-34  -  ATLANTIS (OV 104) - PAD 39-B

               The helium signature leak check of the main propulsion
          system and main engines was successfully completed this weekend.
          Also completed this weekend was the installation of the high
          fidelity mockup of the radioisotope thermoelectric generator
          (RTG). Workers practiced installing and connecting the RTG model
          in the two positons aboard Galileo. This exercise was designed to
          verify procedures, provide training and insure that access for
          the installation is sufficient. The flight RTGs are here at KSC
          and will be installed for flight closer to launch.

               Today, technicians are preparing for the payload interface
          verification test tomorrow. This test is designed to verify
          connections between the shuttle and the Galileo and its Inertial
          Upper Stage.

               The Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test with the STS-34
          flight crew remains scheduled for Sept. 14 and 15.

                     STS-33  -  DISCOVERY (OV 103)  -  OPF BAY 1

               A brake anti-skid test and a nose wheel steering test have
          been completed. Today, the left orbital maneuvering system pod is
          scheduled to be transferred from the Hypergolic Maintenance
          Facility to the Orbiter Processing Facility for installation this
          week. The landing gear functional test is planned today. Orbiter
          systems testing and thermal protection system operations are
          continuing.

                       STS-32 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 2

               The three main engines were removed Friday and Saturday and
          taken to the Vehicle Assembly Building engine shop for post-
          flight inspections and for the replacement of several components.
          Preparations are underway for removal of the forward reaction
          control system (FRCS) this evening. The FRCS will be transferred
          to the HMF where a thruster that failed on orbit can be repaired.

                         STS-33 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB

               The left forward segment and the left forward assembly/nose
          cone were stacked this weekend. Leak checks are scheduled today.
          Early this morning, the right aft center segment was transferred
          to the VAB where pre-mating activities are in work.