[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 12/15/88

yee@ames.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (12/16/88)

[Note: I will be on vacation from 12/20 through 1/3.  I will not be posting
any articles during this time. -PEY]


          KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT FOR - Thursday, Dec. 15, 1988


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

               Verification testing of the right hand orbital maneuvering
          system pod and the forward reaction control system is continuing
          today. Preparations for a functional check of the waste
          containment system are underway. Payload bay reconfiguration
          activities are continuing. Measurements and checkout of the
          brakes are planned today.


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

               Atlantis is now jacked and leveled in bay 2 and tail cone
          removal activities are underway. The protective cone is scheduled
          to be removed tomorrow night. Platforms are being installed in
          the aft compartment for access to that area.  The crew hatch is
          open for post flight inspections and turnaround activities.

               Members of the tile assessment team met at KSC yesterday and
          took a look at Atlantis' tiles. The team was formed to determine
          the causes for the tile damage on the right side and recommend
          any corrective action to prevent damage. Their findings are due
          the beginning of January.


                        STS-28  -  COLUMBIA (OV 102)  -  OMRF

               Orbiter return-to-flight modifications and thermal
          protection system operations are continuing. Columbia has about
          1,462 tile cavities.


                 STS-29 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS/EXTERNAL TANK  -  VAB

               Activities are underway to mate the external tank to the
          solid rocket boosters later today. Technicians are finishing the
          closeouts on the right forward booster this morning. Discovery is
          scheduled to be mated to the stack next month.