Apr 21 1981
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NASA said that the most likely date for ferrying the Space Shuttle orbiter Columbia back to KSC would be April 25 for the flight to Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma and April 26 for the flight from Tinker to KSC. Delays in deservicing were "mainly due to first-time-thru problems," the agency said, referring to the lack of interface between Columbia and the mate/demate device "because of the unavailability of OV- 2" which had not been checked out with the new ground-servicing equipment "for form, fit and function." NASA noted that the three-day stretch in the schedule had covered leaks in quick-disconnect systems, new position of the work stand, the "unexpected OV-102 configuration (engine-bell placement that no longer fitted into the mate/demate device), and changes in operational maintenance instructions.
A NASA press release pointed out that deservicing the orbiter involved "removal or containment of hazardous propellants such as toxic hypergolics and cryogenics," inspecting its systems (including the thermal protection system), and raising the orbiter, with its 17-piece tailcone in place, to a stand where it could be fastened to its 747 carrier. Reviewing events, Aviation Week Space Technology said that ground personnel wearing protective suits had trouble connecting hoses to orbiter interfaces for off-loading propellants and purging systems because of limited space; operations were complicated by wind, rain, and lightning, with a series of four power losses in service facility, each requiring a two-hour minimum to power up again by following a checklist. (NASA Dly Actv Rpt, Apr 21/81; NASA Release 81-50; DFRC Release 81-18; AV Wk, Apr 27/81, 30-31)
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