[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 09/01/89

yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (09/02/89)

             KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT - FRIDAY, SEPT. 1, 1989

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

               Preparations for the helium signature leak check of the main
          propulsion system and main engines are underway today.
          Technicians are continuing to make connections between the
          shuttle and the Galileo payload and Inertial Upper Stage.

               This weekend, technicians will install a high fidelity mock
          radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG) in the two positions
          aboard the Galileo spacecraft. This exercise is designed to
          verify procedures, provide training and insure that access for
          the installation is sufficient.

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

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

                Orbiter modifications and thermal protection system
          operations are continuing. A brake anti-skid test and a nose
          wheel steering test are planned today. The landing gear
          functional test is scheduled Friday.

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

               Preparations for draining hydrazine from the auxiliary power
          units catch bottles are underway. The orbiter's body flap will be
	  positioned later today for engine removal operations.  The main
	  engines are scheduled to be removed later today and will be
	  transferred to the VAB main engine shop for post-flight inspections
	  and for the replacement of several components. The nose tires were
	  removed yesterday.  Operations continuing today include leak and
          functional testing of the main propulsion system and validation
          of the electrical system.

                         STS-33 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB

               Technicians mated the left forward segment to the stack yesterday
          and the left forward assembly/nose cone was stacked early this
          morning. Leak checks are scheduled today. No work is planned over
          the holiday weekend. Next Tuesday, workers would begin
          preparations to stack the right aft center segment.