[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 09/01/88

yee@ames.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (09/03/88)

           KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT FOR - Thurs. Sept. 1, 1988

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

               Operations to connect the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite
          (TDRS-C) and its Inertial Upper Stage to the orbiter are underway
          today. Post-FRF inspections of the main engines and main
          propulsion system are continuing.

               A decision was made last night to remove part of the valves,
          called "poppets," from the gaseous oxygen flow control valve (GOX
          FCV) manifold. The poppets will be removed tonight and taken to
          the Rockwell Service Center in Cape Canaveral to be examined and
          measured. A determination on what course of action, if any, is
          necessary will be made after the inspection.

               The interface verification test (IVT) of the connections
          between the payload and the orbiter is now scheduled for
          Saturday. Mission specialists Mike Lounge and Dave Hilmers will
          be in Discovery's cockpit for the IVT.

               The Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test (TCDT), a dress
          rehearsal for the astronauts and KSC launch team, remains
          scheduled for next Thursday at 10 a.m. The call to stations is
          scheduled for Wed. at 6 a.m. when the countdown clock will pick
          up at the T-19 hour mark. The five-member astronaut-crew are
          scheduled to arrive at KSC Tuesday afternoon.

               All work is in preparation for the STS-26 launch scheduled
          for later this month.  

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

               The right hand orbital maneuvering system pod arrived at OPF
          bay 2 today and it will be installed on Atlantis tonight. The
          right OMS pod is scheduled to be delivered to the OPF tomorrow
          and installed on Saturday.  The third main engine is scheduled to
          be installed next week.

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

               The radiators are being prepared for installation on the
          vehicle starting tomorrow. Return-to-flight modifications and
          thermal protection system operations are continuing.

                        STS-27 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS  -  VAB

               The right forward segment was lifted over into high bay 3
          and is being prepared for mating with the right stack. The left
          forward assembly arrived and is undergoing initial receiving
          inspections. Both assemblies are scheduled to be connected to the
          boosters next week. Joint closeouts are active on all field
          joints. Later this month, the external tank is scheduled to be
          joined to the boosters.