yee@ames.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (10/23/88)
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT - FRIDAY, OCT. 21, 1988
STS-27 - ATLANTIS (0V 104) - OPF BAY 2
Atlantis is scheduled to roll over to the Vehicle Assembly
Building no earlier than between 6 and 8 p.m. tomorrow. While in
the VAB, Atlantis will be mated with its external tank and solid
rocket boosters. It is expected that Atlantis will remain in the
VAB for about seven to eight days.
Earlier today testing was completed on the new actuator for
the left outboard elevon and the ship was powered down this
afternoon in preparation for the move. Technicians are
disconnecting the orbiter from the support systems in the OPF and
are making final inspections of the aft compartment and thermal
protection system.
Atlantis has been in OPF high bay 2 since March of 1987
undergoing return-to-flight modifications. About 199
modifications will be implemented on Atlantis before its mission.
All but 11 modifications have been completed. The remaining
changes will be completed while the orbiter is in the vertical
position.
Some of the modifications include the crew escape system,
the latch for the 17-inch disconnect valves, various improvements
to the orbiter's systems and the new reinforced carbon-carbon
chin panel which replaces two rows of tiles between the nose cap
and the nose landing gear doors.
STS-29 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Two of Discovery's three fuel cells were exchanged today for
the new and improved version. The other fuel cell is already the
new type and will remain in the ship for the next mission.
Today, main engine number 2 was removed and taken to the VAB
main engine shop where several components will be replaced and
post flight inspections will occur. The other two engines will be
removed next week. One of Discovery's engines will be replaced
because of a leak in the main combustion chamber cooling system.
The new engine, number 2031, is scheduled to arrive after
acceptance testing is completed at the Stennis Space Center in
Mississippi.
This weekend, hypergolic propellant is scheduled to be
offloaded from Discovery's orbital maneuvering system pods and
reaction control system.
STS-28 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OMRF
The power drive unit for the body flap has been installed.
Powered down modifications are underway while the orbiter is in
the OMRF. Columbia is scheduled to be transferred to OPF bay 2
next month. Routine maintenance of equipment is planned in bay 2
following Atlantis' move.
STS-29 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB/RPSF
The left aft booster was moved into the VAB yesterday and is
hanging over the holddown posts of mobile launcher platform 2.
The posts and the segment are being prepared for mating. The
right aft booster and the left forward center segment are being
readied for transfer to the VAB.