Getting ready for the future
Probably in the background of launches, and not as popular as the rockets themselves, the Launch Pads in Kennedy Space Center are being reshaped for the future.
The Ground Systems Development and Operations (GSDO) Program office, along with Centers Operations, moves on with upgrades and modifications to Launch Pad 39B, from which the Space Launch System(SLS) will lift off with the Orion Spacecraft atop it.
One of the most visible new features is a steel and concrete structure that houses two elevators that will provide access from the pad surface to the “0” level of the mobile launcher; the deck. After the Space Shuttle Program, the deconstruction which took place included the removal of two old elevators, leaving a single old hydraulic one on the surface. It was decided to replace them after a study of different design concepts from Center Operations.
Minor modifications will also be carried out in the Pad Terminal Connection Rooms, replacing various systems used for the Space Shuttle Program. Located underneath the structure in the right in the picture (not visible), they house equipment that links elements of the shuttle, mobile launcher platform and the pad, with the launch processing system.
The mobile launcher’s utility platform (seen left being carried by a “crawler”) was also modified and surface around the pad was repaired.
Future works include identifying new concepts for the flame trench underneath and the flame deflectors. On the plan are modifications for the piping that will interface with the mobile launcher and replacing unused piping beneath the pad (in the “catacombs”). Further repairs to the catacomb roof are also necessary.
“It’s been really interesting to be part of this project, because it’s my first opportunity to be around at the beginning of a program and to help prepare the ground systems for the GSDO Program,” Lori Jones said, a project manager in the Construction of Facilities Division.
-CHD
Source: http://www.nasa.gov/
A photo showing the pad now, with the new elevators visible: http://1.usa.gov/YETL7r (credit: URS/Jeffry Miller)
Image: Shuttle Discovery riding one of Kennedy Space Center’s crawler-transporters to Launch Pad39B in June 2005 (Credit: NASA)
No comments:
Post a Comment