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.