khayo@sonia.math.ucla.edu (Eric Behr) (05/21/88)
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Thursday, May 19, 1988
STS-26 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
Final testing and flight preparations are continuing on
Discovery and roll out of the Orbiter Processing Facility is
planned in a few weeks. The helium signature leak test of
Discovery's main engines is scheduled to being today. During this
two and half day test each of the three main engines will be
pressurized with helium so that any leaks will be detected.
Today technicians are scheduled to continue shaving tiles on
the nose landing gear door and surrounding area to meet specified
contour measurements. The payload bay doors have been reopened and
final closeouts of the orbiter's midbody are scheduled. A leak
check of the crew module was successfully completed yesterday
which wrapped up the orbiter's structural pressure test.
The primary payload for the STS-26 mission, the Tracking and
Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-C), arrived at KSC Monday, May 16.
The spacecraft is in the Vertical Processing Facility where
pre-flight processing operations occur. The inertial upper stage
for the TDRS spacecraft is scheduled to arrive later this month.
STS-27 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2
Operations scheduled today include: tests of the brake
anti-skid control boxes, installation of two of three fuel cells
and leak and functional testing of the liquid oxygen side of the
main propulsion system. Orbiter modifications scheduled include
chin panel, crew escape and installing protection for wiring in
the aft compartment.
STS-28 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OMRF
Powered down orbiter modifications scheduled today include
crew escape and bonding heat absorbing strips to the orbiter's
belly for the RTV heat sink mod.
STS-26 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB/RPSF
Later today the right forward center segment is scheduled to
be lifted over the sill and into the high bay where it will be
mated with the rest of the STS-26 solid rocket motors. After the
segment is hanging over the stack, workers will perform
inspections, grease the metal parts, install the o-rings and
install the field joint assembly fixture (FJAF). The FJAF is a new
tool required to mate the tighter fitting redesigned SRMs.
Meanwhile, preparations of the right forward segment are
continuing in the RPSF. This is the last of four segments for the
right hand booster. The nose cones will be attached last.
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Friday, May 20, 1988
STS-26 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
The helium signature test was started yesterday and is
scheduled to continue through tomorrow evening. Installation of
thermal blankets in the orbiter's midbody is scheduled as orbiter
closeouts continue in preparation for rollover to the VAB.
A test to monitor the level of outgasing in the crew module
is scheduled tomorrow. Routine readings of pressure in the flight
tires are being taken. The orbiter will be powered down on Sunday
to allow the installation of a few panels in the crew compartment.
Fit checks of the nose landing gear door thermal barrier are
planned today along with other thermal protection system
operations.
STS-27 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2
Testing of the brake anti-skid control boxes was completed
yesterday. Technicians installed one fuel cell yesterday and are
scheduled to install another one today. Orbiter modifications
scheduled today include crew escape, chin panel, adding protection
for wiring in the aft compartment and elevon cove seal.
STS-28 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OMRF
Technicians finished inspections of the air revitalization
system ducts. Meanwhile RTV heat absorbing strips are being
installed in Columbia and electrical modifications are being
worked in the forward and aft sections of the orbiter.
STS-26 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB/RPSF
Last night, the right forward center segment was hoisted
into the high bay where mating preparations are underway. The
right forward segment is being prepared in the RPSF for transfer
to the VAB this weekend.
The left forward assembly was inspected and checked out in
the transfer aisle. This assembly which contains the nose cone
will be installed after all the solid rocket motor segments have
been stacked on the mobile launcher platform.
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Eric