[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 09/20/88

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.