yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (06/30/89)
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT - THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 1989 STS-28 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 1 A new electronic box for the pilot's heads-up-display was installed yesterday and preliminary checks of the unit are good. Another electronic box, called a motor control assembly (MCA) was also replaced yesterday and retest is underway. This particular MCA sends commands to the orbiter's vent doors, external tank doors and orbital maneuvering system crossfeed valves. In addition, the MCA relays information about the position of those systems to the orbiter's cockpit. Engineers discovered that the MCA experienced an internal blown fuse link. Columbia's hydraulic system was activated this morning in preparation for conducting a 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. This tile cavity count was at 12 this morning with only three remaining on the payload bay doors. The target date for transferring Columbia to the Vehicle Assembly Building is no earlier than 12 noon Saturday, July 1. While in the VAB, Columbia will be bolted to the huge external tank. 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. Testing of the right orbital maneuvering system pod is scheduled. Leak checks have begun for the newly installed coolant lines for the radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), used to power the Galileo spacecraft. 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 shortly after Columbia is moved to the VAB. 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 transferred to the VAB where inspections are underway. The actual mate is planned for the weekend. Meanwhile, the last two right hand segments are being readied for stacking in the Rotation Processing and Surge Facility.