yee@ames.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee) (07/17/88)
KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT FOR - Friday, July 15, 1988
STS-26 - DISCOVERY - (OV 103) - PAD 39-B
Yesterday workers completed the "all systems" test of the
solid rocket boosters and conducted a fit check of the crew
escape pole. Today an interface test with mission controllers in
Houston is underway to verify responses of the orbiter from
commands sent from Houston. One of the objectives is to
demonstrate orbiter S-band components and system control and
switching uplink commands initiated by Mission Control.
Workers are closing out the aft compartment and calibrating
instrumentation to prepare the vehicle and pad for the "wet"
countdown and Flight Readiness Firing.
Today workers are preparing the hydraulic system for the
frequency response test of the shuttle's main engines which is
scheduled for tomorrow. The test involves cycling the valves in
the main propulsion system. Later today, workers will begin
purging the power reactant storage and distribution system. That
activity is in preparation for loading the tanks next week prior
to the tests.
The countdown for the "wet" tanking test is scheduled to
pick up at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 15 at the T-43 hour mark. The
T-0 is scheduled for 7 a.m. after which the external tank will be
drained and scrub/turnaround operations will be exercised. The
Flight Readiness Firing of Discovery's main engines is scheduled
for 7:30 a.m. Monday, July 25.
STS-27 - ATLANTIS - (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2
Preparations for the leak and functional tests of the
auxiliary power units are underway and the tests are scheduled to
begin this weekend. Verification of the just bonded brackets that
secure the close circuit television cameras are scheduled today.
Orbiter modifications and thermal protection system operations
are continuing as scheduled.
STS-28 - COLUMBIA - (OV 102) - OPF BAY 1
Orbiter modifications scheduled today include improvements
to the environmental control system, 17-inch external tank
disconnect, crew escape, improvements to the brakes, fuel cells
and electrical power distribution system.
STS-27 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - RPSF
"Build up" operations are underway on left and right aft
solid rocket boosters in preparation for stacking operations
scheduled to begin the end of this month.