yee@ames.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (09/16/88)
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT FOR - Thurs. Sept. 15, 1988
STS-26 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
Troubleshooting efforts revealed two very small internal
leaks in the liquid hydrogen portion of the main propulsion
system. When two valves were cycled, the pressure decay rates
returned to within the specifications. The data is currently
being analyzed, but it appears that the problem has been found
and corrected. The valves involved, the outboard fill and drain
and the return-to-launch-site dump valves, are operated
hydraulically.
Preparations for the helium signature leak test of the main
propulsion system and the main engines are in work. The test is
scheduled to begin this afternoon and is designed to reveal any
leaks in the system. Post-Flight Readiness Firing (FRF) tests of
the liquid oxygen system are underway today.
Batteries have been installed on the Inertial Upper Stage
and a pre-flight test is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. today. The
test simulates events that occur with the IUS during the last
hours of the launch countdown.
Testing of the newly installed poppets for the gasous oxygen
flow control valves was completed.
Yesterday, Shuttle managers concluded the Flight Readiness
Review and decided the program is ready for the STS-26 launch
later this month. A decision on the exact launch date will not be
announced any earlier than tomorrow. Managers wanted to evaluate
the effects of Hurricane Gilbert which is headed for the Texas
coastline and wanted more information on the small leak in
Discovery's liquid hydrogen system.
STS-27 - ATLANTIS (0V 104) - OPF BAY 2
Preparations are underway to install the third main engine
tomorrow. Other activities scheduled today include: main
propulsion system leak checks, thermal protection system
operations, midbody closeouts, pressure measurements of the
installed flight tires, and installation of flight tires on the
main gear. Preparations will begin today to remove and replace an
actuator on the right hand orbital maneuvering system pod. The
suspect actuator was discovered during interface testing.
STS-28 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 1
Installation of electronic components is underway today to
support next week's planned power up. Today, workers are
servicing the orbiter's water coolant loop and implementing
return-to-flight modifications and inspections.
STS-27 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
Closeouts of the field joints on the right hand solid rocket
booster are underway today. The external tank for the STS-27
vehicle is scheduled to be mated to the boosters next week.
At the Rotation Processing and Surge Facility, technicians
are processing segments for the STS-29 booster stack.