[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 01/06/89

yee@ames.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (01/07/89)

            KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT - FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 1989

                     STS-29  -  DISCOVERY (OV 103)  -  OPF BAY 1

               Functional testing of the waste containment system and
          redundancy testing of the orbiter's power system are continuing
          today. Closeouts of the orbiter's midbody and aft compartment and
          thermal protection system operations are underway. Technicians
          are also continuing to perform checks of the main propulsion
          system.

               STS-29 astronauts James Bagian and Robert Springer arrived
          at KSC yesterday to participate in a mission sequence test of the
          Tracking and Data Relay Satellite and its Inertial Upper Stage.
          While here, the crew members will conduct an inspection of
          Discovery's payload bay for any sharp edges that could snag their
          spacesuits if an unplanned space walk became necessary during the
          mission.

               Technicians are continuing to implement orbiter
          modifications that would provide the required cooling systems for
          the Galileo or Ulysses planetary payloads while in the payload
          bay. More scheduling flexibility is afforded by having two
          orbiter's outfitted for these payloads and increases the manifest
          options. Atlantis is already outfitted for these payloads.

               Discovery is scheduled to be transferred to the VAB at
          midnight on Jan. 18 (or early morning Jan. 19). There, it will be
          mated to its external tank and solid rocket boosters.

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

               One of the two remaining main engines has been removed and
          the last engine is scheduled to be pulled this morning. The 7,000
          pound engines are being transferred to the main engine shop in
          the Vehicle Assembly Building where several components will be
          replaced and a thorough inspection will be conducted.

               A check of the waste containment system was completed
          yesterday. Post-flight inspections of the new chin panel and tile
          operations are underway.


                        STS-28  -  COLUMBIA (OV 102)  -  OMRF

               Return-to-flight modifications and tile operations are
          continuing on Columbia.


                   STS-29 and STS-30 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS  -  VAB

               On the STS-29 stack, technicians are testing the voltage in
          a booster joint heater today and are scheduled to begin
          installing part of the ordnance equipment.

               Meanwhile, on the STS-30 stack, the left aft center segment
          was moved into the VAB transfer aisle yesterday and pre-mate
          inspections are underway.