Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!hobbes.physics.uiowa.edu!news.iastate.edu!ux1.cso.uiuc.edu!rs6000.cmp.ilstu.edu!ejbehr From: ejbehr@rs6000.cmp.ilstu.edu (Eric Behr) Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle Subject: Shuttle Status Report 5/24/91 Message-ID: <1991May25.023009.4567@rs6000.cmp.ilstu.edu> Date: 25 May 91 02:30:09 GMT Reply-To: ejbehr@rs6000.cmp.ilstu.edu (Eric Behr) Organization: Central Illinois Surfing Club Lines: 88 KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, MAY 24, 1991 - 10 AM STS-40/SPACELAB LIFE SCIENCES 1 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - PAD 39-B LAUNCH - JUNE 1 WORK IN PROGRESS: - Retest of the new multiplexer demultiplexer (MDM) involving the orbiter and booster hydraulic system. - Inspections and cleaning of temperature tranducers for instal- lation in the vehicle. WORK COMPLETED: - Installation of plugs instead of temperature transducers in the main propulsion system liquid hydrogen main engine inlets. Offi- cials determined that these transducers can be eliminated and still meet the launch commit criteria and flight rules. An analysis is continuing to determine if the liquid oxygen tempera- ture transducers can also be eliminated. - Connections of the new general purpose computer and of the new MDM. WORK SCHEDULED: - Installation of six propellant temperature probes tomorrow. - Retest of the new general purpose computer tomorrow. - Closeouts of the aft compartment begin Sunday. - Start of launch countdown Tuesday at 5 p.m. at the T-43 hour mark. - Launch at 8 a.m. EDT Saturday, June 1. Launch window closes at 10 a.m. EDT. STS-43/TDRS - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 2 WORK IN PROGRESS: - Gimbal test of the orbital maneuvering system engines. - Thermal protection system operations. - Potable water servicing. - Water spray boiler leak and functional tests. - Main engine and main propulsion system tests. - Functional tests of the orbital maneuvering system. - Tests of the forward reaction control system at the Hypergolic Maintenance Facility. - Auxiliary power unit lube oil servicing. WORK COMPLETED: - Tests of the ultra high frequency communications system. WORK SCHEDULED: - External tank door functional test next week. - Installation of the forward reaction control system next week. - Tests of the nose wheel steering system next week. - Anti-skid brake test planned next week. STS-48/UARS - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 1 WORK IN PROGRESS: - Window polishing. - Preparations to remove the three shuttle main engines. - Thermal protection system operations. - Inspections of the orbiter's hydraulic system. WORK COMPLETED: - Main engine flight readiness test. - Flow checks of the main propulsion system helium regulators. WORK SCHEDULED: - Removal of the three shuttle main engines next week. STS-49 - ENDEAVOUR (OV 105) - VAB HIGH BAY 2 WORK IN PROGRESS: - Purges of the freon coolant loop. - Installation of platforms in the midbody and aft compartment. STS-43 SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS - VAB HIGH BAY 1 WORK IN PROGRESS: - Mating the right forward assembly. - Joint closeouts. WORK SCHEDULED: - External tank mate to the boosters on June 3. -- Eric Behr, Illinois State University, Mathematics Department Internet: ejbehr@rs6000.cmp.ilstu.edu Bitnet: ebehr@ilstu