yee@ames.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (09/17/88)
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT FOR - Fri. Sept. 16, 1988
STS-26 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
The helium signature leak test of the main propulsion system
and main engines is scheduled today and tomorrow. The test will
identify any leaks in the system. It will also verify whether the
leak in the liquid hydrogen system is an internal or external
leak.
Yesterday's status report incorrectly stated that the leak
had been found and corrected. Engineers have collected a lot of
data through their troubleshooting efforts over the last few
days. A valve in the system is suspected of causing the pressure
decay that was observed during routine post-FRF leak checks.
Engineers are analyzing the data including results of tests that
were conducted prior to the FRF. Analysis so far indicates that
the leak is internal to the system and is within specifications.
More will be known after data from the helium signature test has
been evaluated.
Other operations at Launch Pad 39-B scheduled today include
thermal protection system repairs and installation of heat
shields and carrier panels.
Over the weekend, the helium signature test will be
completed, payload activities and one of the orbiter's hydraulic
accumulators will be removed and replaced.
All work is in support of picking up the STS-26 launch
countdown at the T-43 hour mark on Launch minus three days at
12:01 a.m. There are several built-in-holds during the countdown
and the T zero will occur approximately 81 hours after the
countdown begins. Launch is currently targeted for the last week
of September.
STS-27 - ATLANTIS (0V 104) - OPF BAY 2
Technicians are scheduled to install the third main engine
on Atlantis today and will begin checkouts and verifications of
orbiter to engine connections next week. Thermal protection
system operations are continuing. Atlantis is scheduled to be
transferred to the VAB in early October for mating with the tank
and boosters.
STS-28 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 1
Operations scheduled today include securing the newly
installed radiators to the vehicle, orbiter airframe inspections,
thermal protection system operations and return-to-flight
modifications. Columbia is scheduled to be powered up in about a
week.
STS-27 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Workers are closing out the field joints on the STS-27 solid
rocket boosters. These activities include installing the new
joint heaters, putting plugs in the leak check ports, and
applying insulation over the field joint. The external tank is
scheduled to be mated to the boosters on Tuesday.