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Kennedy Space Center Space Shuttle Status Report
Thursday, August 31, 1995 (12:30 p.m. EDT)

Mission: STS-69 -- WSF-2 & Spartan 201-03

VEHICLE: Endeavour/OV-105
LOCATION: Pad 39A
TARGET LAUNCH DATE/TIME: September 7 at 11:09 a.m. EDT
LAUNCH WINDOW: 2 hours, 30 minutes
TARGET KSC LANDING DATE/TIME: September 18 at 7:38 a.m. EDT
MISSION DURATION: 10 days, 20 hours, 29 minutes
CREW SIZE: 5
ORBITAL ALTITUDE AND INCLINATION: 230 statute miles/28.45 degrees

NOTE: Launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour was postponed today due to the failure
of one of three fuel cells aboard the orbiter.  The failed fuel cell was indicating higher
than allowable temperatures during normal activation early this morning.  The scrub was
called at about 3:30 a.m. today, prior to commencing tanking operations.  Fuel cells 
provide electricity to the orbiter while in space.  They combine liquid hydrogen and liquid
oxygen to produce electrical power for the orbiter's electronics and payloads.  The by-
product of this reaction is drinking water for the crew.  All three cells are required to be
operational prior to launch.

Due to the failure of fuel cell no. 2, managers determined the unit must be removed
and replaced.  Based on the scheduled time necessary to perform this work, managers
have set Sept. 7 as the next launch date for mission STS-69.  The 2 1/2 hour launch
window opens at 11:09 a.m.  Completing an 11-day mission, Endeavour is scheduled to
land at 7:38 a.m. Sept. 18 at KSC.

The five-member astronaut crew will return to their homes in Houston, TX at 1 p.m.
today.  Their date of return back to KSC will be determined this weekend.

Work during the next few days will entail draining the fuel cell cryogenic storage
tanks (today) and opening the payload bay doors (Friday) to gain access to the fuel cell
located under the payload bay lining.  Once the cell is replaced it will be retested and the
payload bay doors closed for flight (Sunday).  No work is scheduled for the Labor Day
Holiday on Monday.  The countdown is scheduled to begin again at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday.