yee@ames.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (02/07/89)
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT - MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1989
STS-29 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - VAB
The STS-29 astronauts flew in yesterday afternoon for the
practice countdown that began this morning at 8 a.m. at the T
minus 24 hour mark. Today, the crew will receive training in
emergency escape procedures at the launch pad. In addition, they
will be briefed on the status of the vehicle and payload.
Tomorrow, the flight crew will be awakened at about 6:05
a.m. EST for the practice countdown. They will have the
traditional breakfast and don their new launch and entry suits
before departing for the launch pad at about 7:45 a.m. EST. At
about 8:10 a.m., the flight crew will begin entering into
Discovery's cockpit to perform voice checks with test conductors
and simulate flipping switches and functions that are normally
performed on an actual launch day. The simulated T zero for
tomorrow's countdown simulation is scheduled for 11 a.m. EST.
Operations to install the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite
into the payload bay are underway in parallel with preparations
to remove the oxidizer turbo pumps. TDRS was not installed on
Saturday as planned because of an interference problem with the
Share heat pipe payload mounted on the side of the payload bay.
Over the weekend, technicians set up ground support
equipment to remove the first oxidizer turbo pump from engine
one. Removal of the pump is underway this morning. New pumps are
scheduled to arrive next week. The new launch target is mid-March
and the official date will be set at the Flight Readiness Review.
STS-30 - ATLANTIS (0V 104) - OPF BAY 2
The crew equipment interface test was performed on Saturday
with the STS-30 flight crew. This test is an opportunity for the
crew to become familiar with the configuration of the orbiter for
this mission.
Orbiter systems testing continues in bay 2 on Atlantis.
Installation of the three main engines is scheduled to begin this
week. New oxidizer turbo pumps required for Atlantis' engines
will be installed later in the processing flow. Thermal
protection system operations are continuing.
STS-28 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 1
Power up testing of Columbia is continuing today. Checks of
the main propulsion system and the communications and navigations
systems are planned. The new 17-inch liquid hydrogen disconnect
valve is scheduled to be installed today. Helium regulators for
the main propulsion system are being installed today.
STS-30 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
The right aft center is in the VAB transfer aisle and mating
preparations are underway. Meanwhile, technicians in the RPSF are
preparing the right forward segment for stacking.