[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 01/27/89

yee@ames.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (01/28/89)

           KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT - FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 1989

                        STS-29  -  DISCOVERY (OV 103)  -  VAB

               Yesterday, a leak was discovered at the two-inch gaseous
          hydrogen pressurization line in the liquid hydrogen umbilical
          assembly between the external tank and orbiter. After
          troubleshooting the cause of the leak, engineers determined
          there was a slight misalignment at that connection. The umbilical
          assembly has been realigned and connected. A low pressure leak
          check of that line was successfully conducted and a high pressure
          leak check is planned today to verify the connection.

               Workers have completed connecting the tail service masts
          and performed a functional test of the orbiter's crew hatch. Also
          today, technicians are removing heat shields from one of the main
          engines and getting the required ground support equipment ready
          in case a decision is made to remove oxidizer trubopumps on the
          main engines. A decision is expected prior to rolling Discovery
          out to the pad.

               The Shuttle Interface Test is now targeted to begin tomorrow
          and rollout to the pad is now targeted for no earlier than 12:01
          a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1.

                     STS-30  -  ATLANTIS (0V 104)  -  OPF BAY 2

               Systems testing is continuing, including check out of the
          newly installed right orbital maneuvering system pod, checks of
          the main propulsion system and check out of the water spray
          boilers. Payload bay reconfiguring and tile repairs are also
          continuing.

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

               Operations are underway to support powering up Columbia no
          earlier than Monday. Once the vehicle is powered up, systems can
          be checked out. Several weeks of testing of the main propulsion
          system and communications and navigation systems are planned to
          begin next week.

                      STS-30 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS  -  VAB/RPSF

               The left forward assembly was stacked on the left booster
          yesterday. Closeouts of the left field joints are at various
          stages of completion. Technicians are scheduled to stack the
          right aft booster early next week.