yee@ames.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (09/10/88)
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT FOR - Fri. Sept. 9, 1988
STS-26 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
Yesterday, the Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT)
was successfully conducted from Firing Room 1 in the Launch
Control Center. The simulated T minus zero point came at 10:30
a.m., 30 minutes later than originally planned. Some time was
lost during the flight crew's entry into Discovery's cockpit.
The STS-26 astronauts were wearing their new partial
pressure suits for the test. One of the objectives of the test
was to evaluate the length of time it takes for the crew to board
the orbiter. Timelines will be adjusted to allow enough time for
the flight crew's ingress during the actual launch countdown.
Launch Director Bob Sieck praised KSC's launch team for a
job well done. "The performance sets the stage for what we are
about to do in just a few weeks," Sieck told the team after the
test. Center Director Forrest McCartney also congratulated the
team. "This is clearly a demonstration that we are ready for the
real thing in a few weeks. The enthusiasm is obvious and I
sincerely congratulate you," McCartney said.
After the test, the crew received emergency egress training
at the 195 foot level of the pad's fixed service structure. They
received the bulk of their emergency training on Wednesday. The
crew departed KSC at 2:30 yesterday enroute to Houston for final
mission preparations.
With the TCDT milestone completed, workers began loading
ordnance devices on the Space Shuttle vehicle last night. This
activity is called, part I of ordnance installation, and is
scheduled to continue through Saturday. The second part of
ordnance, which includes the payload operations, is scheduled for
Sept. 20.
A borescope inspection and vacuum of the area around the
gaseous oxygen flow control valves (GOX FCV) has been performed.
Some debris was found and is being analyzed for its composition.
After removing part of the GOX FCVs, called "poppets," last
weekend, some metallic debris was discovered. The poppets were
sent to the vendor in California where detailed inspections are
underway. The poppets will be cleaned and reassembled before
being sent back to KSC for installation on Discovery.
This weekend workers plan to continue installing heat
shields around the main engines and repair thermal protection
systems on the orbiter and external tank. In addition, the
auxiliary power units will be serviced with water.
STS-27 - ATLANTIS (0V 104) - OPF BAY 2
Interface verification checks of the orbital maneuvering
system pods are continuing. Installation of the third main engine
is planned for next week. The gaseous oxygen manifold was
installed yesterday and checks of the welds are underway today.
The flight tires have been installed on the nose landing gear and
installation of the main landing gear outboard tires are in work.
STS-28 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 1
Technicians are installing the radiators today. A successful
checkout of the orbiter's freon cooling system has been
conducted. Orbiter airframe inspections and thermal protection
system operations are underway.
STS-27 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB
The left forward assembly was connected to the stack on
Wednesday and the right forward assembly is scheduled to be
stacked today. Closeouts are active on all the field joints.