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.