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.