[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 07/19/88

yee@ames.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (07/20/88)

          KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT FOR - Tuesday, July 19, 1988

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

               Engineers are continuing to monitor the leak rate in the
          left hand orbital maneuvering system pod at pad 39-B. The leak is
          stable and is not causing complications inside the pod.
          Preparations for the "Wet" tanking test and Flight Readiness
          Firing are underway. This week, technicians are busy closing out
          the aft compartment and performing the last few tests prior to
          next week's tests.  Today a leak check of the external tank
          liquid hydrogen fill and drain quick disconnects are planned.

               Later today the power reactant storage and distribution
          system is scheduled to be purged in preparation for next week's
          tests. During the tests the PRSD tanks will be loaded with liquid
          hydrogen and liquid oxygen.

               The countdown for the Wet Countdown Demonstration Test
          (WCDDT) is targeted to begin at 11:30 p.m. Friday, July 22 with
          the T-0 planned for 7 a.m. Monday, July 25. The T-0 for the
          Flight Readiness Firing is targeted for 7:30 a.m. Thursday, July
          28.

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

               Preparations for checking out the orbiter's water spray
          boilers are underway. Systems testing of the power reactant
          storage and distribution system is underway. Instrumentation is
          being calibrated for the chin panel. Operations to prepare the
          forward reaction control system cavity for the installation later
          this week are active. Thermal blankets are being installed along
          with other thermal protection system operations.  Orbiter
          modifications are continuing.

                        STS-28  -  COLUMBIA (OV 102)  -  OMRF

               The strongbacks have been attached to the payload bay doors
          in preparation for door opening later this week. This will allow
          access for workers to implement modifications to systems and
          components located inside the bay. Thermal protection system
          operations are continuing. The smaller white diced tile
          originally on Columbia are being replaced with larger thermal
          blankets like those on the other two orbiters.

                        STS-27 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS  -  RPSF

               "Build up" operations are continuing on the left and right
          aft solid rocket boosters. A leak check of the right aft nozzle
          is scheduled today and preparations to install instrumentation
          and cables on the left aft booster are underway. Stacking is
          scheduled to begin with the left aft booster the end of this
          month in the Vehicle Assembly Building.