[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 11/18/88

yee@ames.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (11/23/88)

             KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT - FRIDAY, NOV. 18, 1988

                      STS-27  -  ATLANTIS (0V 104)  -  PAD 39-B

               Everything is proceeding on schedule at Launch Pad 39-B
          toward launch on Dec. 1.

               Technicians began servicing the orbiter's auxiliary power
          units (APUs) with fresh lube oil yesterday and are scheduled to
          complete the operation today. Later today, the APUs will be
          serviced with water in preparation for flight.

               Closeouts of the aft compartment are underway and testing of
          the inertial measurement units is scheduled. Sniff checks of the
          orbital maneuvering system (OMS) pods and the reaction control
          system are underway today.

               Over the weekend, technicians are scheduled to continue the
          aft closeouts and load the power reactant storage and
          distribution system (PRSD) dewars at the pad in preparation for
          loading the PRSD tanks with liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen
          reactants during the launch countdown.

                       STS-26 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1

               Orbiter systems testing is in work including checkout of the
          PRSD system and left OMS pod. The orbiter is scheduled to be
          powered down tonight for about 11 to 12 days while technicians
          replace the flash evaporator system. This system is one of
          several that provides heat radiation capability for the orbiter
          during various phases of flight. Some contamination was found in
          the system after an examination following the STS-26 flight. A
          few problems with the system were experienced during the flight.
          The system cannot be cleaned while in the orbiter. A new system
          is in shipment, ready to be installed over the next few weeks.

                     STS-28  -  COLUMBIA (OV 102)  -  OPF BAY 2

               Orbiter modifications and power up testing to validate the
          electrical system are underway today. Technicians are also
          working on the orbiter's thermal protection system.

                      STS-29 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS  -  VAB/RPSF

               The right aft booster and aft center segments were mated
          yesterday. The right forward center segment was moved into the
          transfer aisle and is being prepared for mating to the stack over
          the weekend. Next week, the left forward assembly is scheduled to
          be mated to the left booster.