yee@ames.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (11/17/88)
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT - Monday, Nov. 14, 1988
STS-27 - ATLANTIS (0V 104) - PAD 39-B
The Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test - a dress
rehearsal of launch day - was performed today. For test purposes,
the ground launch sequencer stopped the countdown at the T-20
second mark at about 11:16 a.m. EST. The countdown clock began
at 7:40 a.m. yesterday.
STS-27 flight crew members arrived at KSC on Saturday for
this standard pre-launch test. While here, they received training
in emergency escape procedures and were briefed on the status of
the vehicle elements. Later today, the crew will leave for
Houston for final pre-launch preparations.
Today and tomorrow, workers at the pad are scheduled to
remove and replace a fuel isolation valve for the number two
auxiliary power unit (APU). This valve - which is one of two that
feeds hydrazine propellant from the storage tank to the APU -
stuck open after last week's APU hot fire and needs replacing
prior to flight. Hydrazine will be drained from APU number two's
storage tank prior to replacing the valve.
The Flight Readiness Review is scheduled for tomorrow and
Wednesday. Shuttle managers from other NASA centers will be
meeting here at KSC to discuss the readiness of the vehicle
elements for launch and to establish an official target launch
date for Mission STS-27.
STS-29 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Orbiter systems testing is continuing as scheduled including
checkout of the water spray boilers, systems testing of the power
reactant storage and distribution system and functional checks of
the gaseous oxygen flow control valves. Technicians are
preparing to remove the forward reaction control system today so
the internal plumbing can be cleaned and flushed prior to the
next flight.
STS-28 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 2
Operations are in work to power up the orbiter. Validations
of the orbiter's electrical system are planned and the payload
bay doors are scheduled to be opened shortly after power up.
Orbiter return-to-flight modifications are continuing as planned.
STS-29 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB/RPSF
Stacking operations are continuing. The left forward segment
was stacked last week and the right aft booster was stacked on
the mobile launcher platform today. The right aft center segment
was moved into the transfer aisle yesterday and is scheduled to
be lifted up and hoisted over the stack this week.