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.