yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (06/30/89)
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT - FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1989 STS-28 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 1 Yesterday, technicians completed checks of the newly installed electronic boxes and the final frequency response test of the orbiter's aerosurfaces. Technicians are continuing to bond tiles, install gap fillers and fit and install thermal blankets on the payload bay doors. Also today, technicians will be shimming and cycling the rudder speed brake. A final tire pressure reading will be taken today and the wheel locks will be removed from the nose gear. Managers met yesterday and determined that another 24 hours are needed to prepare Columbia for its move to the VAB. The target for the move is now 12 noon Sunday, July 2. Orbiter jack down is scheduled for midnight on Saturday and will be followed by weight and center of gravity checks prior to the move. Columbia's move could occur several hours earlier if the weight and center of gravity checks are completed before 12 noon. While in the VAB, Columbia will be bolted to the huge external tank. A small work force is scheduled to continue making connections between the tank and orbiter through the July fourth holiday. STS-34 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2 Work scheduled today includes leak and functional testing of the auxiliary power units, checkout of the main propulsion system liquid oxygen system and tests of the Ku-band antenna. Leak checks have begun for the newly installed coolant lines for the radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), used to power the Galileo spacecraft. The three main engines are scheduled for installation next week. STS-33 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OMRF Power down work and modifications continue this week in the OMRF in the forward, mid and aft sections of the orbiter. Discovery will be transferred to bay 1 about one week after Columbia is moved to the VAB. Preventative maintenance will be performed on equipment used in bay 1 including the telescoping buckets used for access to the payload bay. STS-28 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB The boosters and tank are ready for mating with the space shuttle Columbia. STS-34 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB/RPSF The right aft center segment was lifted off its pallet inspectors are making evaluations of the tang end prior to the mate this weekend. Meanwhile, the last two right hand segments are being readied for stacking in the Rotation Processing and Surge Facility. The right forward segment is scheduled for transfer to the VAB next week along with the left forward assembly.