K
This is a neat set of photos of assembling the space shuttle. I took a look and didn't see any indication of it on this board. My apologies if previously posted...
There are actually several areas for payload readiness. Over in the old Titan launch area where the ITL concept was first deployed you will find a building called the SMAB which was for the Titan 3. But part of that was converted over to be the SPIF. Once processing is completed at the SPIF the payload is then transferred over to the SPPF then moved to the launch pad and insertion into RSS.That's great stuff! I had no idea the payload was loaded at the launch pad, I assumed that was done at the assembly building...
Trapper John
There are actually several areas for payload readiness. Over in the old Titan launch area where the ITL concept was first deployed you will find a building called the SMAB which was for the Titan 3. But part of that was converted over to be the SPIF. Once processing is completed at the SPIF the payload is then transferred over to the SPPF then moved to the launch pad and insertion into RSS.
Got that?
ITL= Integrated Trasfer Launch
SMAB = Solid Motor Assembly Building
SPIF = Shuttle Payload Integration Facility
SPPF = Shuttle Payload Processing Facility
RSS = Rotating Service Structure
Because of fuel issue in the VAB tours are not normally given to the general public. it has been years since I worked there but at one time they did allow a peak into the OPF (Orbiter Processing Facility).Kenny, that was cool. A tour of the facility would be really neat!
Gary
Because of fuel issue in the VAB tours are not normally given to the general public. it has been years since I worked there but at one time they did allow a peak into the OPF (Orbiter Processing Facility).
The normal visitor center tour is well worth it. I used to love being at LC39 when a tour bus would come by. There was a place for them to stop and get out to take pictures of the LC39A launch pad. My office was near hangar T over on the Cape side. That is where the SRBs would be refurbished so I often would go there and pick up the discarded out casing and have a bag of it in my truck. If I saw a tour group I would stop by and give them a piece of the shuttle that had been in space.