ttnctr (tc1)_v_bw_o_n (101-KSC-373-966 9)
“Fluid systems schematics – Transporter 220 PSIG GN² supply UT-9. (CX41) (110) (fs) R-11 F-9”
Or, something like:
Engineering photograph of the 220 PSI-gauge gaseous nitrogen supply interface near the base of the Centaur upper stage of the Titan-Centaur 1 (TC-1) launch vehicle. Taken from the 110-ft level of Umbilical Tower 9 (UT-9), now positioned at Launch Complex 41 (LC-41), this and other photographs are used to document pre-launch preparations.
The inaugural flight of the Titan-Centaur launch vehicle combination carried the Space Plasma High Voltage Interaction Experiment (SPHINX) and Viking Dynamic Simulator (VDS) as payloads. Originally, NASA wanted to only fly the VDS, a boilerplate Viking probe, but decided at the last minute to add SPHINX as a science payload. The experiment was to test the operation of high voltage power supplies in a vacuum.
Launch occurred at 9:48 a.m. EST (1448 GMT), 11 February 1974. The first two stages of the Titan boosters performed flawlessly, but the Centaur stage failed to ignite. After unsuccessful manual attempts to ignite the Centaur stage, the vehicle was destroyed by the Antigua Station Range Safety Officer at T+742 seconds. It was later determined that an improperly installed rivet inside the LOX tank had come loose and lodged in a fuel pump, resulting in the malfunction.
Although the vehicle was lost, two primary objectives were achieved. The Centaur payload shroud proved to be aerodynamic and stable during flight, and the Centaur had separated from the Titan boosters successfully. All remaining six launches of the Titan IIIE/Centaur were successful and the program continued until 1977. Future payloads included two Helios solar probes, both Viking Mars probes and both Voyager probes.
Above per my SWAG (based upon my research, analysis & deciphering of the caption) and paraphrasing of the ‘SPACEFLIGHT INSIDER’ article at:
www.spaceflightinsider.com/space-flight-history/spaceflig...
A way better write up is under the “Flights” tab, at:
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titan_IIIE
Credit: Wikipedia
I don't understand the stenciled lettering of the white? panel near the upper left:
"REPLACE WITH
{What looks to be an alphanumeric part number maybe.}
NON-FLIGHT ITEM"
Huh?
Note also the two parallel rail lines, the means by which the Umbilical Tower/Mobile Launcher and whatever is on it, are transported throughout the ITL complex, to include LC-40 & 41. Twin diesel locomotives, working in unison, are the prime movers.
Last, but NOT least:
forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=15424.0
Credit: Art LeBrun/’NASA SPACEFLIGHT’ website
Art LeBrun, a damned good man, possessing VOLUMINOUS institutional knowledge of all things Cape Canaveral and more. ALWAYS gracious & generous in sharing his wisdom, observations and his many photos.
He is sorely missed.
Rest in Peace Art – on behalf of all of us – THANK YOU.
ttnctr (tc1)_v_bw_o_n (101-KSC-373-966 9)
“Fluid systems schematics – Transporter 220 PSIG GN² supply UT-9. (CX41) (110) (fs) R-11 F-9”
Or, something like:
Engineering photograph of the 220 PSI-gauge gaseous nitrogen supply interface near the base of the Centaur upper stage of the Titan-Centaur 1 (TC-1) launch vehicle. Taken from the 110-ft level of Umbilical Tower 9 (UT-9), now positioned at Launch Complex 41 (LC-41), this and other photographs are used to document pre-launch preparations.
The inaugural flight of the Titan-Centaur launch vehicle combination carried the Space Plasma High Voltage Interaction Experiment (SPHINX) and Viking Dynamic Simulator (VDS) as payloads. Originally, NASA wanted to only fly the VDS, a boilerplate Viking probe, but decided at the last minute to add SPHINX as a science payload. The experiment was to test the operation of high voltage power supplies in a vacuum.
Launch occurred at 9:48 a.m. EST (1448 GMT), 11 February 1974. The first two stages of the Titan boosters performed flawlessly, but the Centaur stage failed to ignite. After unsuccessful manual attempts to ignite the Centaur stage, the vehicle was destroyed by the Antigua Station Range Safety Officer at T+742 seconds. It was later determined that an improperly installed rivet inside the LOX tank had come loose and lodged in a fuel pump, resulting in the malfunction.
Although the vehicle was lost, two primary objectives were achieved. The Centaur payload shroud proved to be aerodynamic and stable during flight, and the Centaur had separated from the Titan boosters successfully. All remaining six launches of the Titan IIIE/Centaur were successful and the program continued until 1977. Future payloads included two Helios solar probes, both Viking Mars probes and both Voyager probes.
Above per my SWAG (based upon my research, analysis & deciphering of the caption) and paraphrasing of the ‘SPACEFLIGHT INSIDER’ article at:
www.spaceflightinsider.com/space-flight-history/spaceflig...
A way better write up is under the “Flights” tab, at:
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titan_IIIE
Credit: Wikipedia
I don't understand the stenciled lettering of the white? panel near the upper left:
"REPLACE WITH
{What looks to be an alphanumeric part number maybe.}
NON-FLIGHT ITEM"
Huh?
Note also the two parallel rail lines, the means by which the Umbilical Tower/Mobile Launcher and whatever is on it, are transported throughout the ITL complex, to include LC-40 & 41. Twin diesel locomotives, working in unison, are the prime movers.
Last, but NOT least:
forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=15424.0
Credit: Art LeBrun/’NASA SPACEFLIGHT’ website
Art LeBrun, a damned good man, possessing VOLUMINOUS institutional knowledge of all things Cape Canaveral and more. ALWAYS gracious & generous in sharing his wisdom, observations and his many photos.
He is sorely missed.
Rest in Peace Art – on behalf of all of us – THANK YOU.