[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 04/17/89

yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (04/18/89)

            KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT - MONDAY, APRIL 17, 1989

                      STS-30  -  ATLANTIS (0V 104)  -  PAD 39-B

               This past weekend, workers completed part one of vehicle
          ordnance operations and pressurized Atlantis' onboard hypergolic
          propellant storage tanks for flight. Today, the helium signature
          test of the main propulsion system is scheduled to begin and will
          continue through tomorrow. This test will indicate if there are
          any leaks in the system.

               The space suits are scheduled to be installed in the airlock
          tomorrow in parallel with the leak test. There is no space walk
          planned for this mission, however, the suits are always flown in
          case one should become necessary.

               The Frequency Response Test (FRT), which cycles the main
          engine valves, was completed last week and heat shields have been
          installed around the main engines.

               Launch of mission STS-30 is scheduled for April 28 at 2:24
          p.m. EDT with a window of 23 minutes. The countdown is scheduled
          to begin Tuesday, April 25 and the flight crew will arrive that
          afternoon.

                     STS-28  -  COLUMBIA (OV 102)  -  OPF BAY 1

               Orbiter systems testing is continuing this week including
          checkout of the Ku-band antenna, main propulsion system testing,
          water spray boilers, air revitalization system, waste containment
          system and power reactant storage and distribution system. The
          orbiter's radiators have been installed. Thermal protection
          system operations are continuing. Work is underway to prepare the
          two orbital maneuvering system pods for installation on the
          orbiter.

                        STS-33 DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

               Structural post-flight inspections and window polishing are
          continuing this week. A systems test of the power reactant
          storage and distribution system is underway. Other activities
          planned include draining the auxiliary power units' catch
          bottles, tile waterproofing and inspection of heat shields.

                      STS-28 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS  -  VAB/RPSF

               The right aft booster on Friday was stacked on the launch
          platform and technicians are calibrating instrumentation. The
          left forward segment is scheduled to be transferred to the VAB
          this week for stacking. Joint closeouts are active on the left
          booster.

               At the RPSF, technicians are preparing other STS-30 segments
          for stacking in the RPSF.