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.