Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle
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From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Subject: Shuttle Status for 04/19/91 (Forwarded)
Message-ID: <1991Apr22.014200.4520@news.arc.nasa.gov>
Sender: usenet@news.arc.nasa.gov (USENET Administration)
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Date: Mon, 22 Apr 91 01:42:00 GMT

          KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, APR. 19, 1991 - 10 a.m.

                     STS-39/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - PAD 39-A
                                  LAUNCH - APRIL 23


          WORK IN PROGRESS:
          - Launch countdown preparations.
          - Removal of service  platforms  from  the  deck  of  the  mobile
          launcher platform (MLP).
          - Removing handrails from the launch platform.
          - Preparing the MLP hazardous gas detection system for launch.
          -  Removal  of protective covers from the orbiter's reaction con-
          trol system thrusters.
          - Removing platforms from the crew cabin.
          - Payload servicing operations.

          WORK COMPLETED:
          - Pressurization of the hypergolic propellant system for flight.
          - Purging of the power reactant storage and  distribution  system
          for flight.
          -  Check  of  a  purge duct clamp in the aft compartment.  Aft is
          closed out for flight

          WORK SCHEDULED:
          - Final payload preparations.
          - Launch countdown begins at 8:45 a.m. EDT Saturday, April 20.
          - Closing the payload bay doors for flight Sunday.
          - STS-39 flight crew arrival at 6:30 p.m. EDT Saturday.
          - Launch at 7:05 a.m. EDT Tuesday, April 23.


           STS-40/SPACELAB LIFE SCIENCES 1 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 1
                                    LAUNCH - MAY

          WORK IN PROGRESS:
          - Thermal protection system operations.
          - Closing the aft compartment for transfer to the VAB.
          - Cleaning the payload bay.
          - Close the payload bay doors.
          - Leak checks of the crew cabin.

          WORK SCHEDULED:
          - Leak tests of the Spacelab payload this weekend.
          - Tow to the Vehicle Assembly Building targeted for April 24.


                       STS-43 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2


          WORK IN PROGRESS:
          - Jacking and leveling the orbiter in the processing facility.
          - Gaining access to the vehicle.
          - Preparing to power up the orbiter.
          - Removal of ferry kit items.

          WORK COMPLETED:
          - Demated from the 747 just before midnight.
          - Tow to the OPF started at about 5 a.m. this morning.

          WORK SCHEDULED:
          - Opening the payload bay doors this weekend.
          - Removal of the tail cone on Monday.



                         STS-40 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB


          WORK IN PROGRESS:
          - Routing cables between the tank and boosters and  launch  plat-
          form.
          - Closing out the solid rocket booster field joints for flight.

          WORK SCHEDULED:
          - Mating the Shuttle Columbia to the external tank next week.