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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER SPACE SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT
Thursday, August 22, 1996

George H. Diller


Vehicle: OV-104/Atlantis
Mission number: STS-79
Location: Pad 39-A
Primary payload:  Spacehab-Mir 4
Astronauts: 6
Orbital altitude: 245 statute miles
Inclination: 51.6 degrees
Mission Duration: 9 days, 5 hours, 5 minutes
Target Launch date:   Sept. 12   6:27 a.m. EDT
Landing date:  Sept. 21  11:36 a.m. EDT

STS-79 IN WORK TODAY:
 -  Spacehab and payload bay closeouts
 -  Close payload bay doors for flight

STS-79 WORK SCHEDULED:
 -  Spacehab interface verification test  (Friday)
 -  Astronaut arrival for safety training and Terminal Countdown
    Demonstration Test (Aug. 25  5:30 p.m.)
 -  KSC Launch Readiness Review  (Aug. 26)
 -  STS-79 Terminal Countdown Demonstration Test  (Aug. 27 - 28)
 -  Flight Readiness Review  (Aug. 29)

 STS-79 WORK COMPLETED:
 -  Established umbilical connections between Space Shuttle and launch pad
 -  Established electrical and fluid connections between Spacehab and orbiter
 -  Main engine flight readiness test
 -  Forward bulkhead flood light inspections

STS-79 ISSUES AND CONCERNS:  None


STS-80/OV-102/Columbia
ORFEUS-SPAS 2/Wake Shield Facility 3
OPF Bay 1

	The remote manipulator arm was installed last night and is
being tested today. In the payload bay, the payload pre-mate
electrical test is underway.  Freon coolant loop testing is scheduled
to begin Saturday.

	In processing activity next week, the waste containment
system will be installed and checked out,  the water spray boilers
will be serviced and checked out, and the liquid hydrogen side of the
main propulsion system will be leak checked.

  	
STS-82/OV-103/Discovery
HST Second Servicing Mission
OPF Bay 2

	Testing of the auxiliary power units is complete.  The
cryogenic reactant system and leak and functional tests will be
resumed next week. Installation of the data display units on the
flight deck is underway today.  Electrical connections are being
installed between the orbiter and the right orbital maneuvering
system pod.  Preparations are beginning to remove and replace fuel
cell No. 3 for a precautionary diaphragm replacement.

	In activity planned to occur next week, the thermal
protection tiles will be waterproofed, the Ku-band antenna will be
installed and tested,  the S-band communications system will be
checked out, the orbiter’s wheels and tires will be installed, a
functional test of the star tracker door is planned, and the main
propulsion system helium system leak and functional test will be
performed.


KSC 24-Hour Weather Summary
Shuttle Landing Facility - 7 a.m.

Today’s minimum temperature: 74 degrees
Yesterday’s maximum temperature: 87 degrees
Low relative humidity: 58 percent
Peak wind speed/direction: 23 mph/NE
Precipitation: .03 inches
Total August precipitation: 5.17 inches
Barometric pressure at 7 a.m.: 30.09