[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 03/30/89

yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (03/31/89)

               KSC SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT -- THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1989

                     STS-30 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - Pad 39-B

                The pad is closed today while workers load propellants into
           the orbital manuevering system pods, the reaction control system,
           the auxiliary power units, and the solid rocket booster hydraulic
           power units. The pad was cleared early Wednesday evening to begin
           the work, which is scheduled to end by late Friday afternoon.
                Some minor problems with ground support equipment, including
           an oxidizer quick disconnect, delayed the loading operations
           about 4 hours. The minor anomalies were not significant, and will
           not impact the targeted launch date of April 28, l989.
                The third high pressure oxidizer turbopump for Atlantis'
           mission arrived at KSC today. The "R&R" (remove and replace)
           operation will take place after the pad is opened following the
           conclusion of propellant loading. The payload bay doors will be
           reopened at that time. Next week, checks of electrical
           connections between Magellan and the orbiter will be conducted.
                A major milestone for the pre-flight preparations will be
           the Countdown Demonstration Test with the crew, scheduled for
           April 6 and 7.


                     STS-28 - Columbia (OV 102) - OPF Bay 1

                Scheduled activities over the next few days include the
           hookup of auxiliary power unit fuel lines. Although the orbiter
           could have been ready for activities requiring scape suit teams,
           the decision was made to begin scape suit activities one day
           later than scheduled in order to give teams--which have been
           working at the pad--time off.

                     STS-33 - Discovery (OV 103) -OPF Bay 2

                The three main engines will be removed no earlier than Tues.
           of next week. Engine one will be sent back to the Rocketdyne
           plant in Canoga Park, Calif. for analysis and repair of a crack
           in its main combustion chamber.
                Post-flight inspections following the STS-29 flight are also
           proceeding according to schedule. Power reactant storage and
           distribution (PRSD) testing with the launch processing system in
           Firing Room 3 will start on Monday.


                     STS-28 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS -- RPSF

                The left aft booster will be moved to the VAB tomorrow in
           preparation for stacking operations. The stacking will start
           about noon Monday in High Bay 1.