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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 1995 (10:35 AM EST)


NOTE: Missions STS-71 and STS-70 are both being targeted for no earlier than
 launch dates and options are being protected for each to be the next one
 launched. A more firm decision is expected within the next two weeks.
  
MISSION: STS-71 -- 1st MIR DOCKING

VEHICLE: Atlantis/OV-104
LOCATION: Orbiter Processing Facility bay 3
* TARGET LAUNCH DATE: June 10 (no earlier than)
* APPROX. LAUNCH TIME: 10:12 p.m.
LAUNCH WINDOW: 5 minutes
* KSC LANDING DATE/TIME: June 21 at 5:41 p.m. 
MISSION DURATION: 10 days, 19 hours, 31 minutes
CREW SIZE: 7 up, 8 down
ORBITAL ALTITUDE and INCLINATION: 196-245 statute miles/51.60 degrees
* Change from earlier report

IN WORK TODAY:
  Aft engine compartment close-outs
  Install main engine heatshields
  Spacelab close-outs
  Tunnel leak checks
  Preparations for crew equipment interface test

KEY OPERATIONAL MILESTONES (dates are targeted only):
  Crew equipment interface test (April 8-9)
  Final payload bay closure (April 13)
  Roll to Vehicle Assembly Building (April 19)
  Roll to Launch Pad 39-A (April 25)


MISSION: STS-70 -- TDRS-G

VEHICLE: Discovery/OV-103
LOCATION: Orbiter Processing Facility bay 2
*TARGET LAUNCH DATE: June 8 (no earlier than)
*APPROX. LAUNCH TIME: 10:23 a.m.
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2 hours, 30 minutes
*TARGET KSC LANDING DATE/TIME: June 16 at 8:33 a.m.
MISSION DURATION: 8 days
CREW SIZE: 5
ORBITAL ALTITUDE and INCLINATION: 184 statute miles/28.45 degrees
* Change from earlier report

NOTE: Discovery will not be transferred to the VAB for temporary storage but
 will remain in OPF bay 2 for an accelerated flow schedule to meet an
 earlier targeted launch date. The accelerated flow is made possible by not
 going to the VAB. 

IN WORK TODAY:
  Auxiliary power unit leak and functional checks
  Water spray boiler checks
  Solid rocket booster stacking operations in Vehicle Assembly Building high bay 3
 
WORK COMPLETED:
  Ammonia servicing
  Landing gear checks

KEY OPERATIONAL MILESTONES (dates are targeted only):
  Install main engines (April 17)
  Roll to Vehicle Assembly Building (May 3)
  Roll out to pad 39 B (May 11) 


MISSION: STS-69 -- WSF-2 & SPARTAN 201-03

VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105
LOCATION: Orbiter Processing Facility bay 1
TARGET LAUNCH DATE: July 20
APPROX. LAUNCH TIME: 12:06 p.m.
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2 hours, 30 minutes
TARGET KSC LANDING DATE/TIME: July 31 at 8:37 a.m.
MISSION DURATION: 10 days, 21 hours
CREW SIZE: 5
ORBITAL ALTITUDE and INCLINATION: 190 statute miles/28.45 degrees

IN WORK TODAY:
  Extended duration orbiter pallet demate preparations
  Preparations to remove main engines
  Functional checks of the forward reaction control system 

WORK SCHEDULED:
  Remove extended duration orbiter pallet (April 11)

NOTE: The orbiter Columbia is expected to begin its ferry flight from
 Palmdale, Calif., to KSC on April 11 with an arrival at the Shuttle Landing
 Facility targeted for mid-day April 12. Columbia has spent the last six
 months undergoing structural inspections and modifications at the Rockwell
 facility in Palmdale. Columbia’s next mission is STS-73, a 16-day flight
 targeted for launch in September. Upon arrival, Columbia will be stored 
 temporarily in the Vehicle Assembly Building until Atlantis is rolled out
 of the Orbiter Processing Facility for external tank mating operations.