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space shuttle discovery

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A closeup of crawler-transportation (CT) number 2 shows the new muffler system on the vehicle. The CT also recently underwent modifications to the cab. The CT is transporting a Mobile Launch Platform (MLP). The CT moves Space Shuttle vehicles, situated on the MLP, between the VAB and launch pad. Moving on four double-tracked crawlers, the CT uses a laser guidance system and a leveling system for the journey that keeps the top of a Space Shuttle vertical within plus- or minus-10 minutes of arc. The system enables the CT-MLP-Shuttle to negotiate the ramp leading to the launch pads and keep the load level. Unloaded, the CT weighs 6 million pounds. Seen on top of the MLP are two tail service masts that support the fluid, gas and electrical requirements of the orbiter’s liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen aft umbilicals.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A closeup of crawler-transportation (CT...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A closeup of crawler-transportation (CT) number 2 shows the new muffler system on the vehicle. The CT also recently underwent modifications to the cab. The CT is transporting a... More

Space Shuttle Endeavor, STS-57 Launch Preparations

Space Shuttle Endeavor, STS-57 Launch Preparations

Ed Muktarian, a structural engineer with Lockheed Space Operations Co., is assisting with the docking of the Space Shuttle Endeavour at Launch Pad 39B. Muktarian is using a surveying instrument called a zenith ... More

Space Shuttle Discovery, STS-63 Rollout

Space Shuttle Discovery, STS-63 Rollout

The Space Shuttle Discovery completes the final Earth-bound portion of its journey into space, leaving the Vehicle Assembly Building on the slow trip to Launch Pad 39B. Discovery is scheduled to fly the first S... More

Space Shuttle Discovery, STS-82 Rollout

Space Shuttle Discovery, STS-82 Rollout

The rising sun and some scattered clouds provide a picturesque backdrop for the Space Shuttle Discovery as it travels along the Crawlerway toward Launch Pad 39A in preparation for the STS-83 mission. The Shuttl... More

In this aerial view the Crawler Transporter Maintenance Building (center) sits between two crawler transporters. The KSC crawlers are the largest tracked vehicles known. Once used to move assembled Apollo/Saturn from the VAB to the launch pad, they are now used for transporting Shuttle vehicles. They move the Mobile Launcher Platform into the Vehicle Assembly Building and then to the Launch Pad with an assembled space vehicle. Maximum speed is 1.6 km (one mile) per hour loaded, about 3.2 km (2 miles) per hour unloaded. Launch Pad to VAB trip time with the Mobile Launch Platform is about 5 hours. The crawler burns 568 liters (150 gallons) of diesel oil per mile. KSC's two crawlers have accumulated 1,243 miles since 1977. Including the Apollo years, the transporters have racked up 2,526 miles, about the same distance as a one-way trip from KSC to Los Angeles by interstate highway or a round trip between KSC and New York City KSC-98pc1044

In this aerial view the Crawler Transporter Maintenance Building (cent...

In this aerial view the Crawler Transporter Maintenance Building (center) sits between two crawler transporters. The KSC crawlers are the largest tracked vehicles known. Once used to move assembled Apollo/Satur... More

In this aerial view looking south can be seen Launch Complex (LC) 39 area, where assembly, checkout and launch of the Space Shuttle Orbiter and its External Tank and twin Solid Rocket Boosters take place. Central to the complex is the tallest building at the center, the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). To the immediate left, from top to bottom, are the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) High Bay 3 and new engine shop (north side), OPF Modular Office Building, Thermal Protection System Facility, and a crawler-transporter (to its left). In front of the VAB are OPF 1 and OPF 2. At right is the Processing Control Center. West of OPF 3 is the Mobile Launch Platform. In the upper left corner is Launch Pad B; at the far right is the turn basin, with the Press Site located just below it to the right. KSC-98PC-1043

In this aerial view looking south can be seen Launch Complex (LC) 39 a...

In this aerial view looking south can be seen Launch Complex (LC) 39 area, where assembly, checkout and launch of the Space Shuttle Orbiter and its External Tank and twin Solid Rocket Boosters take place. Centr... More

The early morning sun silhouettes STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, on the Mobile Launch Platform, at Launch Complex Pad 39B after a 6-hour, 4.2-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building. At the launch pad, the orbiter, external tank and solid rocket boosters will undergo final preparations for the launch, scheduled to lift off Oct. 29. The mission includes research payloads such as the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker, as well as the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process KSC-98pc1104

The early morning sun silhouettes STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, on t...

The early morning sun silhouettes STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, on the Mobile Launch Platform, at Launch Complex Pad 39B after a 6-hour, 4.2-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building. At the launch pad, th... More

At the end of its 6-hour, 4.2-mile circular trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building, the STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, still on the Mobile Launch Platform and crawler transporter, sits at Launch Pad 39B. To its left is the Fixed Service Structure that provides access to the orbiter and the Rotating Service Structure. Above it is the 80-foot fiberglass lightning mast that provides protection from lightning strikes. The top of the photo looks west, across the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. While at the launch pad, the orbiter, external tank and solid rocket boosters will undergo final preparations for the launch, scheduled to lift off Oct. 29. The mission includes research payloads such as the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker, as well as the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process KSC-98pc1107

At the end of its 6-hour, 4.2-mile circular trek from the Vehicle Asse...

At the end of its 6-hour, 4.2-mile circular trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building, the STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, still on the Mobile Launch Platform and crawler transporter, sits at Launch Pad 39B. To i... More

As daylight creeps over the horizon, STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, on the Mobile Launch Platform, arrives at Launch Complex Pad 39B after a 4.2-mile trip taking approximately 6 hours. At the left is the "white room," attached to the orbiter access arm. The white room is an environmental chamber that mates with the orbiter and holds six persons. At the launch pad, the orbiter, external tank and solid rocket boosters will undergo final preparations for the launch, scheduled to lift off Oct. 29. The mission includes research payloads such as the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker, as well as the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process KSC-98pc1101

As daylight creeps over the horizon, STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, o...

As daylight creeps over the horizon, STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, on the Mobile Launch Platform, arrives at Launch Complex Pad 39B after a 4.2-mile trip taking approximately 6 hours. At the left is the "whit... More

(Left) The crawler transporter makes its way across Launch Pad 39-B to the Mobile Launch Platform and Space Shuttle Discovery to await possible orders for a rollback. KSC managers developed a precautionary plan to roll back Discovery to the Vehicle Assembly Building in the event that Hurricane Georges threatens Central Florida. The decision was made to minimize risk and provide protection to the Space Shuttle national asset KSC-98pc1127

(Left) The crawler transporter makes its way across Launch Pad 39-B to...

(Left) The crawler transporter makes its way across Launch Pad 39-B to the Mobile Launch Platform and Space Shuttle Discovery to await possible orders for a rollback. KSC managers developed a precautionary plan... More

At the end of its 6-hour, 4.2-mile circular trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building, the STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery sits on the Mobile Launch Platform, still atop the crawler transporter, at Launch Pad 39B. To its left is the Fixed Service Structure that provides access to the orbiter and the Rotating Service Structure. Above it is the 80-foot fiberglass lightning mast which provides protection from lightning strikes. This view shows the Atlantic Ocean beyond the shuttle, to the east. At the launch pad, the orbiter, external tank and solid rocket boosters will undergo final preparations for the launch, scheduled to lift off Oct. 29. The mission includes research payloads such as the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker, as well as the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process KSC-98pc1108

At the end of its 6-hour, 4.2-mile circular trek from the Vehicle Asse...

At the end of its 6-hour, 4.2-mile circular trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building, the STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery sits on the Mobile Launch Platform, still atop the crawler transporter, at Launch Pad 39B.... More

Perched on the Mobile Launch Platform, in the early morning hours Space Shuttle Discovery approaches Launch Complex Pad 39B after a 6-hour, 4.2-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building. At the launch pad, the orbiter, external tank and solid rocket boosters will undergo final preparations for the launch, scheduled to lift off Oct. 29. The mission includes research payloads such as the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker, as well as the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process KSC-98pc1103

Perched on the Mobile Launch Platform, in the early morning hours Spac...

Perched on the Mobile Launch Platform, in the early morning hours Space Shuttle Discovery approaches Launch Complex Pad 39B after a 6-hour, 4.2-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building. At the launch pad, t... More

The STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery sits on the Mobile Launch Platform, still atop the crawler transporter, at Launch Pad 39B, after its 4.2-mile, 6-hour trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building. On its left is the Fixed Service Structure that provides access to the orbiter and the Rotating Service Structure. Beyond the orbiter is seen the Atlantic Ocean. While at the launch pad, the orbiter, external tank and solid rocket boosters will undergo final preparations for the launch, scheduled to lift off Oct. 29. The mission includes research payloads such as the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker, as well as the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process KSC-98pc1109

The STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery sits on the Mobile Launch Platform,...

The STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery sits on the Mobile Launch Platform, still atop the crawler transporter, at Launch Pad 39B, after its 4.2-mile, 6-hour trek from the Vehicle Assembly Building. On its left is t... More

Dawn breaks behind STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, on the Mobile Launch Platform, as it approaches Launch Complex Pad 39B after a 6-hour, 4.2-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building. At the launch pad, the orbiter, external tank and solid rocket boosters will undergo final preparations for the launch, scheduled to lift off Oct. 29. The mission includes research payloads such as the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker, as well as the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process KSC-98pc1102

Dawn breaks behind STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, on the Mobile Launc...

Dawn breaks behind STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, on the Mobile Launch Platform, as it approaches Launch Complex Pad 39B after a 6-hour, 4.2-mile trip from the Vehicle Assembly Building. At the launch pad, the... More

The early morning light reveals STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, on the Mobile Launch Platform, on its 6-hour, 4.2-mile trek to Launch Complex Pad 39B from the Vehicle Assembly Building. To the left is the Fixed Service Structure that provides access to the orbiter and the Rotating Service Structure. In the background is th eelevated water tank that helps reduce sound levels during launch. At the launch pad, the orbiter, external tank and solid rocket boosters will undergo final preparations for the launch, scheduled to lift off Oct. 29. The mission includes research payloads such as the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker, as well as the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process KSC-98pc1105

The early morning light reveals STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, on the...

The early morning light reveals STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, on the Mobile Launch Platform, on its 6-hour, 4.2-mile trek to Launch Complex Pad 39B from the Vehicle Assembly Building. To the left is the Fixed... More

In the pre-dawn hours, STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, on the Mobile Launch Platform, begins rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex Pad 39B via the crawler transporter. The 4.2-mile trip takes approximately 6 hours. Once at the launch pad, the orbiter, external tank and solid rocket boosters will undergo final preparations for the launch, scheduled to lift off Oct. 29. The mission includes research payloads such as the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker, as well as the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process KSC-98pc1099

In the pre-dawn hours, STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, on the Mobile L...

In the pre-dawn hours, STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, on the Mobile Launch Platform, begins rollout from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex Pad 39B via the crawler transporter. The 4.2-mile trip t... More

In the pre-dawn hours, STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, on the Mobile Launch Platform, exits the doors of the Vehicle Assembly Building as it begins rollout to Launch Complex Pad 39B via the crawler transporter. The 4.2-mile trip takes approximately 6 hours. Once at the launch pad, the orbiter, external tank and solid rocket boosters will undergo final preparations for the launch, scheduled to lift off Oct. 29. The mission includes research payloads such as the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker, as well as the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process KSC-98pc1100

In the pre-dawn hours, STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, on the Mobile L...

In the pre-dawn hours, STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery, on the Mobile Launch Platform, exits the doors of the Vehicle Assembly Building as it begins rollout to Launch Complex Pad 39B via the crawler transporter.... More

The crawler transporter nears the Mobile Launch Platform and Space Shuttle Discovery to await possible orders for a rollback. KSC managers developed a precautionary plan to roll back Discovery to the Vehicle Assembly Building in the event that Hurricane Georges threatens Central Florida. The decision was made to minimize risk and provide protection to the Space Shuttle national asset KSC-98pc1128

The crawler transporter nears the Mobile Launch Platform and Space Shu...

The crawler transporter nears the Mobile Launch Platform and Space Shuttle Discovery to await possible orders for a rollback. KSC managers developed a precautionary plan to roll back Discovery to the Vehicle As... More

The STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery sits on the Mobile Launch Platform, still atop the crawler transporter, at Launch Pad 39B. To its left is the Fixed Service Structure that provides access to the orbiter and the Rotating Service Structure. To its right is the elevated water tank, with a capacity of 300,000 gallons. Part of the sound suppression water system, the tank stands 290 feet high on the northeast side of the pad. Water from the tank is released just before ignition of the orbiter's three main engines and twin solid rocket boosters. The entire system reduces the acoustical levels within the orbiter's payload bay to an acceptable 142 decibels. Beyond the orbiter is seen the Atlantic Ocean. While at the launch pad, the orbiter, external tank and solid rocket boosters will undergo final preparations for the launch, scheduled to lift off Oct. 29. The mission includes research payloads such as the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker, as well as the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process KSC-98pc1110

The STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery sits on the Mobile Launch Platform,...

The STS-95 Space Shuttle Discovery sits on the Mobile Launch Platform, still atop the crawler transporter, at Launch Pad 39B. To its left is the Fixed Service Structure that provides access to the orbiter and t... More

Space Shuttle Discovery sits atop the Mobile Launch Platform on Launch Pad 39-B, with the Rotating Service Structure moved back, to await rollback decision. At the right is the 300,000-gallon water tank, part of the sound suppression water system used during launch. KSC managers developed a precautionary plan to roll back Discovery to the Vehicle Assembly Building in the event that Hurricane Georges threatens Central Florida. The decision was made in order to minimize risk and provide protection to the Space Shuttle, a national asset KSC-98pc1148

Space Shuttle Discovery sits atop the Mobile Launch Platform on Launch...

Space Shuttle Discovery sits atop the Mobile Launch Platform on Launch Pad 39-B, with the Rotating Service Structure moved back, to await rollback decision. At the right is the 300,000-gallon water tank, part o... More

In this close-up, Space Shuttle Discovery sits atop the Mobile Launch Platform on Launch Pad 39-B, with the Rotating Service Structure moved back, to await rollback decision. The flag at right shows the increased wind blowing out of the south. KSC managers developed a precautionary plan to roll back Discovery to the Vehicle Assembly Building in the event that Hurricane Georges threatens Central Florida. The decision was made in order to minimize risk and provide protection to the Space Shuttle, a national asset KSC-98pc1147

In this close-up, Space Shuttle Discovery sits atop the Mobile Launch ...

In this close-up, Space Shuttle Discovery sits atop the Mobile Launch Platform on Launch Pad 39-B, with the Rotating Service Structure moved back, to await rollback decision. The flag at right shows the increas... More

This close-up of the Space Shuttle Discovery shows it atop the Mobile Launch Platform on Launch Pad 39-B, with the "white room" still extended, awaiting rollback decision. KSC managers developed a precautionary plan to roll back Discovery to the Vehicle Assembly Building in the event that Hurricane Georges threatens Central Florida. The decision was made in order to minimize risk and provide protection to the Space Shuttle, a national asset KSC-98pc1149

This close-up of the Space Shuttle Discovery shows it atop the Mobile ...

This close-up of the Space Shuttle Discovery shows it atop the Mobile Launch Platform on Launch Pad 39-B, with the "white room" still extended, awaiting rollback decision. KSC managers developed a precautionary... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At left, the payload canister for Space Shuttle Discovery is lifted from its canister movement vehicle to the top of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39-B. Discovery (right), sitting atop the Mobile Launch Platform and next to the Fixed Service Structure, is scheduled for launch on Oct. 29, 1998, for the STS-95 mission. That mission includes the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker (IEH-3), the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, and the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process KSC-98pc1180

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At left, the payload canister for Space ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At left, the payload canister for Space Shuttle Discovery is lifted from its canister movement vehicle to the top of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39-B. Discovery (r... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At left, the payload canister for Space Shuttle Discovery is lifted from its canister movement vehicle to the top of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39-B. Discovery (right), sitting atop the Mobile Launch Platform and next to the Fixed Service Structure (FSS), is scheduled for launch on Oct. 29, 1998, for the STS-95 mission. That mission includes the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker (IEH-3), the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, the Spartan solar-observing deployable spacecraft, and the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process. At the top of the FSS can be seen the 80-foot lightning mast . The 4-foot-high lightning rod on top helps prevent lightning current from passing directly through the Space Shuttle and the structures on the pad KSC-98pc1179

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At left, the payload canister for Space ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- At left, the payload canister for Space Shuttle Discovery is lifted from its canister movement vehicle to the top of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39-B. Discovery (r... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Columbia is revealed atop its Mobile Launch Platform. Visible is the gaseous oxygen vent arm and cap, called the "beanie cap", extended above the orange external tank. Columbia is scheduled for launch Jan. 16 at 10:39 a.m. EST on mission STS-107, a research mission. KSC-03pd0076

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- After rollback of the Rotating Service Structure on Launch Pad 39A, Space Shuttle Columbia is revealed atop its Mobile Launch Platform. Visible is the gaseous oxygen vent arm and... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the cab of crawler-transporter (CT) number 2, driver Sam Dove, with United Space Alliance, operates the vehicle on a test run to the launch pad. The CT recently underwent modifications to the cab. The CT is transporting a Mobile Launch Platform (MLP). The CT moves Space Shuttle vehicles, situated on the MLP, between the VAB and launch pad. Moving on four double-tracked crawlers, the CT uses a laser guidance system and a leveling system for the journey that keeps the top of a Space Shuttle vertical within plus- or minus-10 minutes of arc. The system enables the CT-MLP-Shuttle to negotiate the ramp leading to the launch pads and keep the load level. Unloaded, the CT weighs 6 million pounds. Seen on top of the MLP are two tail service masts that support the fluid, gas and electrical requirements of the orbiter’s liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen aft umbilicals.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the cab of crawler-transporter (...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the cab of crawler-transporter (CT) number 2, driver Sam Dove, with United Space Alliance, operates the vehicle on a test run to the launch pad. The CT recently underwent ... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A closeup of crawler-transporter (CT) number 2 shows the cab (left, above the tracks) that recently underwent modifications. The CT is transporting a Mobile Launch Platform (MLP) on a test run to the pad. The CT moves Space Shuttle vehicles, situated on the MLP, between the VAB and launch pad. Moving on four double-tracked crawlers, the CT uses a laser guidance system and a leveling system for the journey that keeps the top of a Space Shuttle vertical within plus- or minus-10 minutes of arc. The system enables the CT-MLP-Shuttle to negotiate the ramp leading to the launch pads and keep the load level. Unloaded, the CT weighs 6 million pounds. Seen on top of the MLP are two tail service masts that support the fluid, gas and electrical requirements of the orbiter’s liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen aft umbilicals.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A closeup of crawler-transporter (CT) n...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A closeup of crawler-transporter (CT) number 2 shows the cab (left, above the tracks) that recently underwent modifications. The CT is transporting a Mobile Launch Platform (MLP)... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the cab of crawler-transporter (CT) number 2, driver Sam Dove, with United Space Alliance, operates the vehicle on a test run to the launch pad. The CT recently underwent modifications to the cab. The CT is transporting a Mobile Launch Platform (MLP). The CT moves Space Shuttle vehicles, situated on the MLP, between the VAB and launch pad. Moving on four double-tracked crawlers, the CT uses a laser guidance system and a leveling system for the journey that keeps the top of a Space Shuttle vertical within plus- or minus-10 minutes of arc. The system enables the CT-MLP-Shuttle to negotiate the ramp leading to the launch pads and keep the load level. Unloaded, the CT weighs 6 million pounds. Seen on top of the MLP are two tail service masts that support the fluid, gas and electrical requirements of the orbiter’s liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen aft umbilicals.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the cab of crawler-transporter (C...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Inside the cab of crawler-transporter (CT) number 2, driver Sam Dove, with United Space Alliance, operates the vehicle on a test run to the launch pad. The CT recently underwent m... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A closeup of crawler-transporter (CT) number 2 shows the cab, at left, that recently underwent modifications. The CT is transporting a Mobile Launch Platform (MLP) on a test run to the pad. The CT moves Space Shuttle vehicles, situated on the MLP, between the VAB and launch pad. Moving on four double-tracked crawlers, the CT uses a laser guidance system and a leveling system for the journey that keeps the top of a Space Shuttle vertical within plus- or minus-10 minutes of arc. The system enables the CT-MLP-Shuttle to negotiate the ramp leading to the launch pads and keep the load level. Unloaded, the CT weighs 6 million pounds. Seen on top of the MLP are two tail service masts that support the fluid, gas and electrical requirements of the orbiter’s liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen aft umbilicals.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A closeup of crawler-transporter (CT) n...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - A closeup of crawler-transporter (CT) number 2 shows the cab, at left, that recently underwent modifications. The CT is transporting a Mobile Launch Platform (MLP) on a test run ... More

S126E006655 - STS-126 - STS-126 Launch Preparations

S126E006655 - STS-126 - STS-126 Launch Preparations

The original finding aid described this as: Description: An STS-126 crewmember stands on the concrete hardstand at the base of the Mobile Launch Platform at launch pad 39A prior to launch of the STS-126 missio... More

S126E006654 - STS-126 - STS-126 Launch Preparations

S126E006654 - STS-126 - STS-126 Launch Preparations

The original finding aid described this as: Description: View of a portion of the Mobile Launch Platform on the concrete hardstand at launch pad 39A, taken by a crewmember prior to launch of the STS-126 missio... More