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.