MONDAY, MARCH 30, 1998 (4:26 PM EST) E-mail: Joel.Wells-1@ksc.nasa.gov
NOTE: Engineers completed efforts to load test configuration software to support Columbia's upcoming prelaunch tests. Helium signature leak testing concluded last week. Over the weekend, workers continued efforts to flush the gaseous nitrogen system lines and expect to complete their efforts today. Loading of prelaunch propellants into Columbia's on-board storage tanks begins Wednesday. The STS-90 flight crew arrived at KSC yesterday and are involved with mission familiarization activities today. On Tuesday they will participate in the Terminal Coundown Demonstration Test with a full dress, simulated main engine shutoff at 11 a.m. tomorrow. Having reviewed available payload data, NASA managers are confident that the two bolts on a getaway special canister (GASCAN) in Columbia's payload bay are properly secured and ready for flight. Opening the orbiter's payload bay doors to access the GASCAN will not be necessary. STS-90 SCHEDULED OPERATIONAL MILESTONES (dates are target only):
NOTE: Installation of pyrotechnic devices that support Discovery's remote manipulator system, landing gear, Ku Band antenna and Firex system is complete. Body flap rub panel modifications continue. through next week. Auxiliary power unit lubrication servicing and orbiter docking system electrical and mechanical system checks are in work. Payload premate testing is slated for today and main engine installation begins later this week. In the Vehicle Assembly Building, ET/SRB mate was postponed last Thursday while workers conducted inspections of the STS-91 solid rocket booster stack. An extensive search for a magnet location marker missing from the right forward center segment is under way. The magnet is used by VAB workers as a visual reference during segment mating operations only and removed after stacking is complete. Managers have viewed video that shows the black, 3/4" wide x 2" long magnet properly affixed before the right forward center segment was mated to the right aft center segment. However, no video is available of that portion of the booster after mating activities were complete. NASA managers are evaluating the unlikely possibility that during stacking operations the small magnet fell into the center joint that connects the forward segment with the aft segment. Extensive inspections conducted during mating activities give no indication that the magnet fell into the center segment. Pending successful completion of this evaluation, ET/SRB mate is scheduled to resume Wednesday and managers would then expect no impact to the STS-91 launch date. STS-91 SCHEDULED OPERATIONAL MILESTONES (dates are target only):
(NODE-1, PMAs 1 and 2)
NOTE: Torque checks of Endeavour's left wing-to-fuselage attach bolts are complete. Draining of the right hand orbiter maneuvering system fuel cross-feed lines begins today in preparation for right hand orbiter maneuvering system pod removal next week. Technicians will complete forward reaction control system (FRCS) removal on Wednesday and then begin work to replace a leaky thruster. With installation of the manipulator positioning mechanism complete this week, technicians will install the robot arm next Thursday. STS-88 SCHEDULED OPERATIONAL MILESTONES (dates are target only):
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