[net.columbia] APU Transfer

alb@alice.UUCP (Adam L. Buchsbaum) (01/05/84)

NASA has decided to take the three APU's from the
Discovery, now sitting in the VAB, and put them in
the Challenger.  This follows the fuel leak and
subsequent fire i two of the three APU's used on
Columbia during STS-9.  Discovery's APU's, the
same as Challenger's, are newer and have been used
less, and NASA is transferring them only as a
safeguard, since they do not ye know why the Columbia's
leaked.  The APU work is expected to be completed
in time for the 12 January rollout of the Challenger
to pad 39A, from where it will be launched on 3 February.

Discovery will be prepared for its April maiden flight
after Challenger is moved to the pad.