yee@ames.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (09/23/88)
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT FOR - Thurs. Sept. 22, 1988
STS-26 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
Tests of the newly installed actuator for the fuel pre-
burner oxidizer valve on main engine number three are scheduled
today. Also scheduled today are purges of the power reactant
storage and distribution system tanks. These purges prepare the
tanks for the liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen loading operation
during the launch countdown.
After the tests mentioned above are completed later tonight,
workers will finish closing out the aft compartment. Early
tomorrow, purges of the external tank are scheduled to condition
the lines and prepare it for the loading operation during the
countdown.
Batteries on the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite are being
charged today and more testing of the Inertial Upper Stage is
planned for tonight to validate data collected during yesterday's
IUS countdown simulation.
Other operations today include installation of heat shields
around the main engines, a final inspection of the thermal
blankets on the payload bay doors and launch countdown
preparations.
Final installation of ordnance devices on the payload and on
the vehicle, and the follow up testing, are scheduled for
Saturday. On Sunday, workers are scheduled to inspect the aft
compartment and perform a structural leak test of the vehicle.
All work leads up to the start of the launch countdown at
12:01 a.m. Monday, Sept. 26. The countdown clock will begin at
the T-43 hour mark. The STS-26 flight crew is scheduled to arrive
at KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility around 4:30 p.m. Monday to
prepare for the launch.
STS-27 - ATLANTIS (0V 104) - OPF BAY 2
Earlier today workers completed the frequency response test
of the main engine valves. Later today, technicians will test the
orbiter's aerosurfaces. Other activities scheduled today are
inspections of the tire pressure instrumentation and
waterproofing orbiter tiles.
In addition, preparations for the Crew Equipment Interface
Test (CEIT) are underway. Members of the STS-27 flight crew will
participate in the test which is planned for the weekend. The
test gives the flight crew a chance to become familiar with
Atlantis' crew compartment configuration for this mission and any
mission unique equipment.
STS-28 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 1
Preparations are underway to support Columbia's power up
tomorrow at 10 a.m. Inspections of the orbiter's airframe and
thermal protection system operations are scheduled this week.
STS-27 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS/EXTERNAL TANK - VAB
The external tank was "hard" mated to the boosters yesterday
and technicians are hooking up electrical connections and routing
cables today.
STS-29 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - RPSF
Technicians are "building" up the left aft booster to
prepare the segment for stacking on the mobile launcher platform.