yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (07/19/89)
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT - TUESDAY, JULY 18, 1989
STS-28 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - LAUNCH PAD 39-B
Today, the STS-28 countdown demonstration test was
successfully completed at about 11 a.m. For the purposes of
today's test, the countdown was halted at the T minus 20 second
point at 11 a.m. The dress rehearsal test began at 8:20 a.m.
yesterday at the T minus 24 hour mark. Also yesterday, the crew
was briefed on the status of vehicle processing and walked
through pad emergency egress steps. This morning, the flight crew
was awakened, suited up, departed the astronaut crew quarters in
the van and were strapped into their seats in Columbia's crew
cabin. Later today, the flight crew will depart KSC enroute
to Houston for final mission preparations.
A helium signature leak test of the main propulsion system
and main engines was started last night and was held for several
hours for the "terminal count" portion of today's TCDT. The test
is scheduled to pick back up today. During the test, helium will
be sent through the main propulsion system and three main engines
to verify there are no leaks in the entire system.
STS-34 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2
Last night, the orbiter's galley was installed. Filling and
bleeding of the hydraulic system is scheduled to begin tonight.
After fill and bleed operations, the nose wheel steering system
will be checked out, the brake anti-skid system will be tested
and a test of the orbiter's aerosurfaces is planned. Technicians
are continuing to install heat shields around the three main
engines. Preparations are underway to install a getaway special
canister beam in Atlantis' payload bay this week.
STS-33 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Discovery was powered up yesterday and the payload bay doors
were opened. Operations to configure the payload bay for the next
mission are underway. Orbiter systems testing is planned.
STS-34 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB/RPSF
The right forward segment is located in the VAB transfer
aisle and is being prepared for mate to the stack in the next few
days. Lift of the segment is planned for later today. Stacking of
the right forward assembly is scheduled to occur the end of the
week.