yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (04/07/89)
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT - THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 1989
STS-30 - ATLANTIS (0V 104) - PAD 39-B
The countdown began this morning for the Terminal Countdown
Demonstration Test at 8:15 a.m. EDT at the T-24 hour mark. This
test serves as a dress rehearsal of launch day for the astronauts
and the launch team. The test will culminate at 11 a.m. with a
simulated engine cutoff at the T-5 second mark.
The end-to-end test of the Magellan and Interial Upper Stage
and ground stations is planned for Saturday.
Yesterday, technicians bolted the high pressure oxidizer
turbo pump on engine two and have conducted some of the initial
leak checks. Today, main engine technicians are continuing to
connect the interfaces between the pump and engine. Next week,
tests of the engines will be conducted and heat shields will be
installed around the main engines. Leak checks of check valves in
the main propulsion system are also underway in preparation for
launch.
STS-28 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 1
Orbiter systems testing is underway today including checkout
of the Ku-band antenna, water spray boilers, air revitalization
system and power reactant storage and distribution system. Leak
and functional testing of the auxiliary power units is scheduled
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
Technicians have removed the three main engines. One of the
engines will be sent back to Rocketdyne in Canoga Park, Calif.
for repairs to a crack in its main comubustion chamber. A systems
test of the power reactant storage and distribution system is
planned this week. Preparations for deservicing hypergolic
propellants this weekend are underway.
STS-28 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB/RPSF
The left aft booster was transferred from the RPSF to the
VAB Monday and stacked on the mobile launcher platform.
Technicians are completing connections between the booster and
the launch platform. The left aft center segment is scheduled to
be transferred to the VAB transfer aisle today in preparation for
stacking. Meanwhile, other segments are being prepared for
stacking in the RPSF.