khayo@sonia.math.ucla.edu (Eric Behr) (05/15/88)
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TPTA Status Report May 11, 1988
The firing of the solid rocket motor transient pressure test
article (TPTA) 2.2 at the Marshall Space Flight Center, originally
scheduled for May 9, will not occur until three vent port plugs
are replaced. The test was originally postponed to use and
certify a new tool to more accurately measure vent port plug holes
in SRM field and case-to-nozzle joints on the test article. That
measurement, conducted yesterday, revealed that replacement of the
vent port plugs is necessary. The vent port plugs are customized
to precisely fit leak check ports upstream of primary o-rings in
the joints. Date and time of the rescheduled test will be
announced as soon as possible; the earliest the test could occur
is Friday, May 13, but early next week is more likely.
The vent port plug holes on STS-26 hardware at Kennedy Space
Center also will be measured, and replaced if necessary.
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Thursday, May 12, 1988
STS-26 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
A confidence check of the orbiter's flight controls was
successfully conducted yesterday. Preparations are ongoing for
the positive pressure structural leak check of the orbiter which
is scheduled to begin on Saturday. Preparations are underway to
conduct the helium signature leak check of the main engines
the end of next week.
Technicians are continuing operations to ready the orbiter's
nose landing gear doors for flight which includes repetitive
cycling of the doors. Three days of testing for the brake anti-
skid control boxes is scheduled to begin today.
STS-27 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2
Measurements of the chin panel and nose cap area are
scheduled today. The panel and nose cap have been temporarily
installed for the fit checks in that area. Preparations to install
the power reactant storage and distribution system and the
orbiter's power producing fuel cells are underway this week.
Orbiter modifications are in work as scheduled.
STS-28 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OMRF
Yesterday, Columbia's main landing gear struts were replaced
with a set of beefed up modified struts like those on Discovery
and Atlantis. Technicians are bonding RTV heat absorbing strips to
the orbiter's belly. Orbiter power down modifications scheduled
today include: crew escape, inspections of the air revitalization
system ducts and thermal protection system improvements.
STS-26 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB/RPSF
Last night the right aft center segment was hoisted over
the high bay sill and is now hanging over the right aft booster
as mating preparations continue in the VAB. Actual mate of the two
lower right segments is currently planned for Friday evening.
Today and tomorrow technicians will prepare the two joints for
the mate by greasing the metal parts, installing the o-rings,
and performing inspections. Field joint closeout operations are
continuing on the left booster.
Meanwhile, work continues in the RPSF on the next two right
SRM segments. Plans are to move the right forward center segment
to the VAB transfer aisle after the mate is complete on the two
lower segments scheduled for this weekend.
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Friday, May 13, 1988
STS-26 - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1
The retest of Discovery's brake anti-skid control boxes began
yesterday and is going well. The test is scheduled to continue
through tomorrow. Preparations for Discovery's positive pressure
structural leak check are underway with the test planned for next
week.
Leak checks of the main propulsion system are underway today
in preparation for the helium signature leak check of the main
engines next week. Meanwhile, technicians are continuing
operations to ready the nose landing gear doors and the chin area
for flight.
STS-27 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2
Preparations are continuing to ready the power reactant
storage and distribution (PRSD) system tank sets for installation.
Next week, various components of the PRSD system and the fuel
cells are scheduled to be installed. Orbiter modifications are
continuing as scheduled.
STS-28 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OMRF
Installation of RTV heat absorbing strips is ongoing as
powered down operations continue in the OMRF. Other orbiter
modifications scheduled today include crew escape and inspections
of the air revitalization system ducts.
STS-26 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB/RPSF
In the VAB, mating of the two lower right hand solid rocket
motor segments continued through the evening. The adhesive used to
bond the j-seal could not be used because of debris found in the
containers. Morton Thiokol has shipped more adhesive to KSC which
is due today. Meahwhile, closeouts of the left hand solid rocket
booster field joints are continuing.
In the RPSF, technicians are scheduled to conduct ultrasonic
inspections of the right forward center segment today. This
segment is scheduled to be moved to the VAB transfer aisle this
weekend in preparation for mating next week. Measurements of the
j-seal are planned for the right forward segment.
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Eric