[sci.space.shuttle] Shuttle Status for 07/18/88

yee@ames.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (07/19/88)

           KSC SPACE SHUTTLE PROCESSING REPORT FOR - Monday, July 18, 1988

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

               Engineers have stablilized the leak in the Orbital
          Maneuvering System pod by pressurizing the reaction control
          system oxidizer storage tank with helium. Today the leak rate is
          being monitored while other work to prepare the vehicle for the
          "wet" tanking test and the Flight Readiness Firing are underway.

               Engineers determined that the small leak in a dynatube
          fitting in the fill line to the RCS oxidizer tank will not affect
          the tests scheduled for next week. Engineers will be analyzing
          the data from the cobra borescope videos and the leak rates over
          the next few days to determine the best possible way to proceed
          after the FRF. No definite schedule plans are expected until
          after the FRF.

               The countdown for the "wet" tanking test is scheduled to
          begin Friday 11:30 p.m. with the T-0 is scheduled for 7 a.m.  A
          few hours later the 72-hour scrub turnaround activities will be
          exercised prior to the 22-second main engine test firing.

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

               The leak and functional tests of the auxiliary power units
          were conducted over the weekend with only minor problems
          reported. Systems testing of the power reactant storage and
          distribution system is scheduled to continue through the week.
          Two of the close circuit television system cameras have been
          installed. Technicians are scheduled to test the orbiter's Ku-
          band antenna today and stow it later this week. Also this week
          technicians are preparing to install the forward reaction control
          system currently targeted for this weekend.

                        STS-28  -  COLUMBIA (OV 102)  -  OPF

               Orbiter modifications scheduled this week include crew
          escape, 17-inch external tank disconnect, and the RTV heat sink
          modification. Thermal protection system operations are continuing
          as scheduled. Power up operations are planned to start next
          month.

                        STS-27 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS  -  RPSF

               Booster "build up" operations are continuing on the left and
          right aft segments for the STS-27 launch. The external tank
          attach rings have been installed on both segments and workers are
          installing cables and instrumentation.