OV-102_v_c_o_KPP (KSC-391C-5045.11)
“OV-102 roll into new OPF Bay 3 fit checks. 1st spot. OPF.”
There I assume in preparation for the following:
“Columbia was the first on-line orbiter to undergo the scheduled inspection and retrofit program. It was transported August 10, 1991, after its completion of mission STS-40, to prime Shuttle contractor Rockwell International's Palmdale, California assembly plant. The oldest orbiter in the fleet underwent approximately 50 modifications, including the addition of carbon brakes, drag chute, improved nose wheel steering, removal of development flight instrumentation and an enhancement of its thermal protection system. The orbiter returned to KSC February 9, 1992 to begin processing for mission STS-50 in June of that year.”
Above at/from:
data.esa.int/esado/en/page/?uri=https://gcmd.earthdata.na...
Credit: “ESA Data Ontology” website
I'm sure it's addressed online, somewhere, but I don't have the gumption to search for it; however, note the obvious 'non-functional' Forward Reaction Control System (FRCS) module covering, which I've seen used on other orbiter vehicles during processing...and possibly during transport. To prevent contamination/foreign object entry?
Or…OR…is this more than just a cover and is actually a ‘filler’ FRCS module, installed while the flight FRCS module is serviced/refurbished/repaired between flights? If so, is it of the same mass as the actual flight module…for center-of-gravity purposes, like during STA ferrying?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Obviously having way too much time on my hands, I've also wondered if the visual mimicking of the orbiter's actual FRCS module is merely for aesthetics, or does it have a functional purpose?
Finally, as further confirmation of way way too much time on my hands, the tug/tractor (bottom foreground) is manufactured by Ingersoll-Rand. Apparently, the logo seen was discontinued at some point.
OV-102_v_c_o_KPP (KSC-391C-5045.11)
“OV-102 roll into new OPF Bay 3 fit checks. 1st spot. OPF.”
There I assume in preparation for the following:
“Columbia was the first on-line orbiter to undergo the scheduled inspection and retrofit program. It was transported August 10, 1991, after its completion of mission STS-40, to prime Shuttle contractor Rockwell International's Palmdale, California assembly plant. The oldest orbiter in the fleet underwent approximately 50 modifications, including the addition of carbon brakes, drag chute, improved nose wheel steering, removal of development flight instrumentation and an enhancement of its thermal protection system. The orbiter returned to KSC February 9, 1992 to begin processing for mission STS-50 in June of that year.”
Above at/from:
data.esa.int/esado/en/page/?uri=https://gcmd.earthdata.na...
Credit: “ESA Data Ontology” website
I'm sure it's addressed online, somewhere, but I don't have the gumption to search for it; however, note the obvious 'non-functional' Forward Reaction Control System (FRCS) module covering, which I've seen used on other orbiter vehicles during processing...and possibly during transport. To prevent contamination/foreign object entry?
Or…OR…is this more than just a cover and is actually a ‘filler’ FRCS module, installed while the flight FRCS module is serviced/refurbished/repaired between flights? If so, is it of the same mass as the actual flight module…for center-of-gravity purposes, like during STA ferrying?
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Obviously having way too much time on my hands, I've also wondered if the visual mimicking of the orbiter's actual FRCS module is merely for aesthetics, or does it have a functional purpose?
Finally, as further confirmation of way way too much time on my hands, the tug/tractor (bottom foreground) is manufactured by Ingersoll-Rand. Apparently, the logo seen was discontinued at some point.