yee@ames.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (09/21/88)
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT FOR - Tues. Sept. 20, 1988 STS-26 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B Yesterday, the extravehicular mobility units (EMUs), or space suits, were installed and checked out. The redundant inertial measurement unit (RIMU), which is part of the Inertial Upper Stage's guidance system, was replaced yesterday. Retest of the RIMU is scheduled today. Other jobs underway today include closeouts of the aft compartment and installation of heat shields. The frequency response test of main engine valves began today. During the test, the pre-burner oxidizer valve actuator on main engine number 3 failed. The actuator is scheduled to be replaced overnight and is not expected to impact the launch schedule. Launch countdown preparations are scheduled to begin tomorrow. The launch countdown is scheduled to begin at 12:01 a.m. Monday, Sept. 26. The count will begin at the T-43 hour mark leading to a planned T-zero at 9:59 a.m. EDT Thursday, Sept. 29. The STS-26 flight crew is scheduled to arrive at KSC Monday afternoon for final pre-flight preparations. STS-27 - ATLANTIS (0V 104) - OPF BAY 2 Operations scheduled today include servicing the water spray boilers, installation of heat shields, waterproofing the tiles and preparations for running the main engine frequency response test on Wednesday. Structural leak checks of the orbiter are planned for this weekend. STS-28 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 1 Technicians are preparing the orbiter's freon coolant lines and water lines for power up planned for Friday at 10 a.m. Work will continue to implement return-to-flight modifications in parallel with power up testing of orbiter electrical systems. STS-27 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS/EXTERNAL TANK - VAB The external tank was moved from its storage cell in the VAB and is on the transporter in the transfer aisle being prepared for lifting later today. The tank is scheduled to be mated to the solid rocket boosters overnight.