From: yee@trident.arc.nasa.gov (Peter E. Yee)
Subject: Shuttle Status for 04/09/92 (Forwarded)
Apparently-To: sci-space-news@ames.arc.nasa.gov
Followup-To: sci.space
Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, CA
Date: Mon, 13 Apr 1992 22:23:21 GMT

              KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - THURSDAY, APR. 9, 1992  10 AM


               STS-49/INTELSAT RESCUE - ENDEAVOUR (OV 105) - PAD 39-B

          WORK IN PROGRESS:
          - Removing foam from the joints between the main propulsion  sys-
          tem  and the three main engines and from other areas to allow in-
          spections.
          - Removing instrumentation used in the flight readiness firing.
          - Removing heat shields from the main engines.
          - Preparations to install the STS-49 payloads.

          WORK COMPLETE:
          - Workers gained access to the aft compartment yesterday.

          WORK SCHEDULED:
          - Move the rotating service structure away from the orbiter over-
          night in preparation for payload installation.
          - Transfer of the STS-49 payloads to the launch pad tonight.
          - Shuttle managers decided last night to replace the  three  main
          engines  following  review  of  irregularities in two of the high
          pressure oxidizer turbopumps.  The engine one pump saw a build up
          of  pressure in the preburner just after it was shut down and en-
          gine two saw a slightly elevated frequency in  vibration  in  the
          ball bearing cage.   This work, scheduled to begin Sunday, is ex-
          pected to have little impact to the processing schedule.
          - Removal of the radiation blast shield tomorrow.
          - Post-FRF inspections of the main propulsion system.
          - Terminal Countdown Demonstration  Test  with  the  flight  crew
          planned April 17.


                       STS-50 - COLUMBIA (OV 102) - OPF BAY 3

          WORK IN PROGRESS:
          - Payload pre-mate testing.
          - Testing of the Ku-band antenna.
          - Close outs of the midbody.
          - Installing thermal blankets in the midbody.
          - Close outs of the extended duration orbiter pallet.
          - Testing of the water spray boilers.

          WORK SCHEDULED:
          - Installation of the USML payload module Saturday.


                STS-46/TSS AND EURECA - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - OPF BAY 1

          WORK IN PROGRESS:
          - Polishing windows.
          - Inspections of the main propulsion system.
          - Removal of the SSBUV payload.
          - Offloading of residual hypergolic propellants.
          -  Removing  heat shields and carrier panels from around the main
          engines.
          - Deconfiguring the payload bay.


                     STS-53/DoD - DISCOVERY (OV 103) - OPF BAY 2

          WORK IN PROGRESS:
          - Orbiter modifications.
          - Installing the radiators.
          - Structural inspections.
          - Installation of the drag chute.

                  STS-50 - SOLID ROCKET BOOSTERS/MLP-3 - VAB BAY 3

          WORK IN PROGRESS:
          - Mating the external tank to the solid rocket boosters.
          - Closing out the booster field joints.
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