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            KSC SHUTTLE STATUS REPORT - FRIDAY, FEB. 23, 1990 - 11:30 AM


                    STS-36 - ATLANTIS (OV 104) - LAUNCH PAD 39-A

               Shuttle managers decided to postpone the launch another  24-
          hours based on an unfavorable weather forecast for Saturday.

               Commander John Creighton was cleared for flight this morning
          and  has  been practicing in Shuttle Training Aircraft with pilot
          John Casper.

               Yesterday,  the Rotating Service Structure  was  moved  into
          place around the vehicle to offer some protection for the orbiter
          from  rain and wind.  Plans are to leave the structure around the
          vehicle overnight for weather protection. Early tomorrow morning,
          the structure will be moved back to the launch position.

               Technicians  will  replace  a  protective  covering   called
          "butcher  paper" on the forward reaction control system thrusters
          today.  This paper is wet and has come loose.  In  addition,  the
          thruster area will be inspected and drained of any rainwater.

               The STS-36 launch countdown, which has been in our unplanned
          hold  since  yesterday  afternoon,  will resume tomorrow morning.
          The countdown was held for a second time yesterday to  give  Com-
          mander  Creighton time to recover from an upper respiratory tract
          infection and because the weather forecast did not look favorable
          at that time.

               Weather forecasts indicate there is only a 20 percent chance
          of being able to launch during the period on Saturday.  The  con-
          cern is over predicted high winds,  clouds,  ceilings below 8,000
          feet and rain. Winds are forecast to be from the southwest direc-
          tion at 12 knots gusting to 24 knots.

               The forecast for Sunday is much better with  an  80  percent
          chance  of being within the launch weather criteria.  Cooler tem-
          peratures in the 40s are expected on Sunday after the cold  front
          moves through the area.

               Pending  favorable  weather  conditions,  liftoff of Mission
          STS-36 is scheduled to occur no earlier  than  Sunday,  Feb.  25,
          during a four-hour period extending from 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. EST.