yee@ames.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (08/06/88)
KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT FOR - Friday, Aug. 5, 1988
STS-26 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
Turn/around activities are underway at Launch Pad 39-B to
prepare for the Flight Readiness Firing. The pad was reopened for
normal work at 6:30 a.m. this morning and the Rotating Service
Structure was rotated back around the orbiter by 10:27 a.m.
today.
The liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen storage farms will be
replenished today and tomorrow in preparation for loading the
external tank for the FRF.
Later today, the engine service platforms will be erected to
change out the hydrogen burn igniters. In addition platforms will
be positioned to support getting into the aft compartment in case
a decision is made to remove and replace the hydrogen bleed valve
on main engine No. 2. Discovery's aft compartment will not be
opened unless the valve change out is required for FRF.
A decision has not been made yet on whether to proceed
toward the FRF with a software patch for the main engine valve or
to replace and retest the valve. The software patch would be
worked in parallel with activities at the pad and the FRF could
occur at 7:30 a.m. Sunday. If the valve needs replacing, the FRF
would occur the end of next week.
STS-27 - ATLANTIS (0V 104) - OPF BAY 2
During power up testing last week one of the fuel cells had
a problem and must be removed and replaced for flight. Thermal
protection system work and structural modifications are
continuing.
STS-28 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 1
Power down modifications active on Columbia include crew
escape, RTV heat sink, thermal protection system upgrades, and
improvements to the electrical power distribution system.
STS-27 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - RPSF
Stacking began on with the left aft booster on Saturday. The
left aft center segment is in position above the aft booster and
will be mated tomorrow night. Measurements are being taken and
inspections of all surfaces are being made prior to the mate.