Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!ames!trident.arc.nasa.gov!yee
From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
Subject: Shuttle Status for 10/24/89 (Forwarded)
Message-ID: <34369@ames.arc.nasa.gov>
Date: 24 Oct 89 23:40:55 GMT
Sender: usenet@ames.arc.nasa.gov
Reply-To: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Lines: 29


        Space Shuttle Status Report: Tuesday, October 24th.

             In the Vehicle Assembly Building this morning, the crawler
        transporter was positioned beneath the Space Shuttle Discovery.
        Preparations continue for rollout tonight, which remains scheduled to
        begin shortly after midnight.  The removal of test stands and VAB
        access platforms is scheduled to start at about 4 p.m.  The vehicle
        should reach the perimeter of Pad B about 6:00 a.m. and be atop the
        pad and locked into position on the launcher pedestals between 8 a.m.
        and 9 a.m. Wednesday.  Once at the launch pad, connections and pad
        validation testing with the Space Shuttle will begin.  This will be
        followed by main propulsion system leak checks this weekend.

             Work completed on the vehicle in the last 24 hours includes a
        functional check of the star tracker, routine leak checks of the
        quick disconnects, and installation of a solid rocket booster
        hydraulic power unit.

             Meanwhile, at the Dryden Flight Research Facility at Edwards Air
        Force Base, safing of Atlantis is underway so that deservicing
        activity can begin.  The orbiter is reported to be in good condition
        with minimal tile damage.  The ferry flight is expected to begin
        Saturday with arrival at KSC on Sunday.

             Also, at KSC's Vertical Processing Facility, preparations are
        underway to power up the Hubble Space Telescope Wednesday, Oct. 25
        for the first time.  This will enable a series of functional tests to
        begin.