[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 04/12/89

yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (04/13/89)

           KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12, 1989

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

               Today the orbiter's hydraulic fluid is being circulated in
          preparation for the Frequency Response Test (FRT) scheduled
          today. During the test, main engine valves will be cycled,
          actuators will be tested and the engines' pneumatics system will
          be checked out. In addition, the orbiter's aerosurfaces will be
          cycled.  After this test, technicians will begin installing heat
          shields back around the engines in preparation for the helium
          signature leak test this weekend.

               Batteries are being installed in the second stage computer
          of Magellan's Inertial Upper Stage.

               Yesterday, KSC center managers met for the standard Launch
          Readiness Review to review KSC's capability of executing a safe
          and successful launch and landing. Tomorrow and Friday, NASA and
          contractor shuttle managers will meet here for the Flight
          Readiness Review (FRR) to determine the program's readiness to
          launch, carry out the mission and support the landing. An
          official launch date is expected at the end of the FRR.

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

               Orbiter systems testing is continuing this week including
          checkout of the Ku-band antenna, water spray boilers, air
          revitalization system, waste containment system and power
          reactant storage and distribution system. Installation of the
          orbiter's radiators is underway this week. 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
          scheduled this week. A systems test of the power reactant storage
          and distribution system is underway. Other activities planned
          include tile waterproofing, removal of ferry plugs and inspection
          of heat shields.

                      STS-28 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS  -  VAB/RPSF

               The left forward center segment was transferred to the VAB
          Monday and inspections are in work. Stacking is scheduled for
          tomorrow.

               At the RPSF, the right aft booster is being transferred to a
          pallet in preparation for the move to the VAB tomorrow.
          Technicians are preparing other STS-30 segments for stacking in
          the RPSF.