[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 09/14/88

yee@ames.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (09/15/88)

            KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT FOR - Wed. Sept. 14, 1988

                     STS-26  -  DISCOVERY (OV 103)  -  PAD 39-B

               Yesterday technicians installed the three gaseous oxygen
          (GOX) flow control valve poppets. Retest of the GOX system is
          going well. Engineers are continuing to troubleshoot a very small
          leak in the liquid hydrogen system. It has not been found yet and
          workers are trying to isolate it today.

               Preparations are underway for the helium signature leak test
          of the main propulsion system and three main engines. The test is
          scheduled to begin tomorrow morning.

               Thermal protection system repairs and orbiter aft closeouts
          are underway.

               Meanwhile, Shuttle program managers are continuing the
          Flight Readiness Review today to assess the program's readiness
          for the STS-26 launch scheduled for later this month.

                     STS-27  -  ATLANTIS (0V 104)  -  OPF BAY 2

               Technicians are installing heat shields and making
          preparations to install the third main engine on Friday.
          Interface verification testing of the connections between the
          orbital maneuvering system pods and the orbiter are scheduled
          today. A functional test of the waste containment system is
          continuing today. Operations to install the gaseous oxygen
          manifold and checks of the main propulsion system are underway
          this week.

               Next month, Atlantis is scheduled to be moved to the VAB for
          mating with the boosters and external tank and then rolled out to
          Launch Pad 39-B for launch in November.

                     STS-28  -  COLUMBIA (OV 102)  -  OPF BAY 1

               Columbia is scheduled for power up testing the end of next
          week. Preparations are underway to support powering up the
          orbiter after a modification period. As Columbia's systems are
          installed, they will be retested and verified. Orbiter return-to-
          flight inspections and system improvements are continuing.

                        STS-27 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS  -  VAB

               Joint closeouts are active on all the remaining field joints
          of the STS-27 solid rocket motors. The external tank is scheduled
          to be mated to the boosters next week.