[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 07/24/89

yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (07/25/89)

             KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT - MONDAY, JULY 24, 1989

                  STS-28  -  COLUMBIA (OV 102)  -  LAUNCH PAD 39-B

               This weekend, workers finished loading hypergolic
          propellants into Columbia's onboard storage tanks.
          Monomethylhydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide were loaded into the
          tanks for the reaction control system and the orbital maneuvering
          system pods. In addition, hydrazine was loaded into the orbiter's
          auxiliary power units and the boosters' hydraulic power units.

               A hot fire of the orbiter's auxiliary power units and
          boosters' hydraulic power units has been conducted. Engineers are
          troubleshooting an isolation valve on auxiliary power unit (APU)
          number 2 that is indicating it is stuck open when it should be
          closed. The valve is one of two between the hydrazine fuel tank
          and the APU.

               The Rotating Service Structure (RSS) was moved back around
          the vehicle this morning and workers plan to gain access to the
          aft compartment. Once in the aft compartment, workers will complete 
          work in the main propulsion system to rid engine one's helium system 
          of any contamination. A new line will be brazed in, and a filter and
          valve will be replaced.

               The Flight Readiness Review will be held July 25-26 here at
          KSC, after which an official launch date will be announced.

                      STS-34  -  ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2

               Filling and bleeding of the orbiter's hydraulic system was
          completed this past weekend. The nose wheel steering test was
          completed and a brake anti-skid test is underway. Technicians
          installed heat shields around the three main engines. The left
          hand orbital maneuvering system pod is being prepared for flight
          at the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility and is scheduled to be
          shipped to the Orbiter Processing Facility the end of this week.

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

               Power up operations and systems testing are planned today.
          Modified washers are being installed for the liquid oxygen and
          hydrogen two-inch disconnect valves in the 17-inch disconnect
          cavity. A functional check of the forward reaction control system
          is underway today. Thermal blankets behind the radiators are
          being inspected this week. Modifications and tile work are
          underway. The Ku-band drive assembly has been replaced.

                       STS-34 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB/RPSF

               Joint closeouts are active on all booster field joints.
          Stacking of the right forward assembly was completed this past
          weekend. Mating of the external tank to the boosters is scheduled
          to start on Friday.