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The Space Shuttle Enterprise (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle orbiter. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight. On September 17, 1976 the first full scale prototype was completed.
The Space Shuttle Enterprise (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle orbiter. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight. On September 17, 1976 the first full scale prototype was completed.
✈ #NASA #SpaceShuttle #OV-101 #Entreprise #Rockwell.International #Mockup #Prototype #USAF #Orbiter #USS.Intrepid #Museum #Display #CV-11 #Ship #Essex #aircraftscarriers #New-York #NY #AWP #CHR-2022
#USSIntrepidAir&SpaceMuseum
@ Space Shuttle Enterprise (Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) is the first orbiter of the Space Shuttle system. Rolled out on September 17, 1976, it was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform atmospheric test flights after being launched from a modified Boeing 747. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield. As a result, it was not capable of spaceflight.
• Type : Spaceplane
• Class : Space Shuttle orbiter
• Eponym : USS Enterprise (NCC-1701)
• Other name : Constitution (1975–1977)
• Serial no. OV-101
• Owner : NASA 🇺🇸
• Manufacturer : Rockwell International
History
• First flight : August 12, 1977
• Last flight : October 26, 1977
• Flights : 5
• Flight time : 20 m, 58 s above Earth
• Fate : Prototype
• Location : Intrepid Museum New York City, New York
@ USS Intrepid (CV/CVA/CVS-11), also known as The Fighting "I", is one of 24 Essex-class aircraft carriers built during World War II for the United States Navy. She is the fourth US Navy ship to bear the name. Commissioned in August 1943, Intrepid participated in several campaigns in the Pacific Theater of Operations, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
• Name : Intrepid
• Ordered : 3 July 1940
• Builder : Newport News Shipbuilding
• Laid down : 1 December 1941
• Launched : 26 April 1943
• Commissioned : 16 August 1943
• Decommissioned : 15 March 1974
• Reclassified : CVA-11, 1 October 1952 later CVS-11, 31 Mar 1962
• Stricken : 23 February 1982
• Motto : In Mare In Caelo "On the sea, in the sky"
• Status : Museum ship at the Intrepid Museum in New York City
The Space Shuttle Enterprise (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle orbiter. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight. On September 17, 1976 the first full scale prototype was completed.
The Space Shuttle Enterprise (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle orbiter. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight. On September 17, 1976 the first full scale prototype was completed.
The Space Shuttle Enterprise (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle orbiter. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight. On September 17, 1976 the first full scale prototype was completed.
The Space Shuttle Enterprise (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle orbiter. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight. On September 17, 1976 the first full scale prototype was completed.
The space shuttle Enterprise, atop a barge, passes the Statue of Liberty in New York on its way to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum where it will be permanently displayed, Wednesday, June 6, 2012. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
The space shuttle Enterprise is towed by barge up the Hudson River in New York with the World Trade Center's Freedom Tower in the background while on it's way to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum where it will be permanently displayed, Wednesday, June 6, 2012. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Workers prepare to attach a sling to the space shuttle Enterprise in order to lift it off of a barge and onto the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum where it will be permanently displayed, Wednesday, June 6, 2012 in New York. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
The space shuttle Enterprise is towed by barge next to the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum where it will lifted onto the flight deck to be placed on permanent display, Wednesday, June 6, 2012 in New York. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls)
Shuttle Enterprise OV-101 built by Rockwell International for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform atmospheric test flights being launched from a modified Boeing 747. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield. As a result, it was not capable of spaceflight.
The Space Shuttle Enterprise (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle orbiter. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight. On September 17, 1976 the first full scale prototype was completed.
The Space Shuttle Enterprise (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle orbiter. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight. On September 17, 1976 the first full scale prototype was completed.
Space Shuttle Enterprise (Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) was the first orbiter of the Space Shuttle system. Rolled out on September 17, 1976, it was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform atmospheric test flights after being launched from a modified Boeing 747. Originally, Enterprise had been intended to be refitted for orbital flight to become the second space-rated orbiter in service. However, during the construction of Space Shuttle Columbia, details of the final design changed, making it simpler and less costly to build. Challenger around a body frame that had been built .
The Space Shuttle Enterprise (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle orbiter. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight. On September 17, 1976 the first full scale prototype was completed.
This week in 1978, the space shuttle Enterprise was lifted into the Dynamic Test Stand at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center for the Mated Vertical Ground Vibration Test. This test marked the first time the entire space shuttle orbiter, external tank, and two solid rocket boosters were mated together. The vibration tests verified the space shuttle final launch configuration. Today, Marshall is playing a vital role in the Artemis program by developing the Space Launch System, the backbone of NASA’s exploration plans and the only rocket capable of sending humans to the Moon and Mars. The NASA History Program is responsible for generating, disseminating, and preserving NASA’s remarkable history and providing a comprehensive understanding of the institutional, cultural, social, political, economic, technological, and scientific aspects of NASA’s activities in aeronautics and space. For more pictures like this one and to connect to NASA’s history, visit the Marshall History Program’s webpage.
Image credit: NASA
#tbt #nasa #marshallspaceflightcenter #msfc #marshall #space #history #marshallhistory #nasamarshall #nasahistory #nasamarshallspaceflightcenter #Enterprise #spaceshuttle #SpaceShuttleEnterprise
The Space Shuttle Enterprise (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle orbiter. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight. On September 17, 1976 the first full scale prototype was completed.
Please use red/cyan anaglyph goggles, for anaglyph glasses ask your local optician.
Frame of color news-released stills. This was a Tail Cone Off Mission. Stack Enterprise and 747 in flight.
Credit: NASA
Image Number: S77-28961
Date: October 12, 1977
The Space Shuttle Enterprise (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle orbiter. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight. On September 17, 1976 the first full scale prototype was completed.
The Space Shuttle Enterprise (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle orbiter. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight. On September 17, 1976 the first full scale prototype was completed.
The Space Shuttle Enterprise (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle orbiter. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight. On September 17, 1976 the first full scale prototype was completed.
The Space Shuttle Enterprise (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle orbiter. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight. On September 17, 1976 the first full scale prototype was completed.
My grandfather worked at Lockheed when the shuttle was first being built, they did a lot with the launch systems. This orbiter was used for approach and landing tests. No one had seen these pictures before and as a 5 year old I was really mad when people told me it was a model!
The Constitution was later re-named Enterprise (thanks to Trekkies) but it was still Constituion when these photos were taken (75 I think)
** NOTE - I was corrected, this photo is actually a full-scale mockup in Downey, California, from February 27, 1975. Sorry for the error, but I got these photos when I was 5 and the story clearly got a bit distorted.
The Space Shuttle Enterprise (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle orbiter. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight. On September 17, 1976 the first full scale prototype was completed.
In the upper left corner:
The Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) is an astronaut propulsion unit that was used by NASA on three Space Shuttle missions in 1984.
The MMU allowed the astronauts to perform untethered EVA spacewalks at a distance from the shuttle. The MMU was used in practice to retrieve a pair of faulty communications satellites, Westar VI and Palapa B2. Following the third mission the unit was retired from use. A smaller successor, the Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER), was first flown in 1994, and is intended for emergency use only.
The unit featured redundancy to protect against failure of individual systems. It was designed to fit over the life-support system backpack of the Space Shuttle Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU). When carried into space, the MMU was stowed in a support station attached to the wall of the payload bay near the airlock hatch. Two MMUs were carried on a mission, with the second unit mounted across from the first on the opposite payload bay wall. The MMU controller arms were folded for storage. When an astronaut backed into the unit and snapped the life-support system into place, the arms were unfolded.
To adapt to astronauts with different arm lengths, controller arms could be adjusted over a range of approximately 13 centimetres. The MMU was small enough to be maneuvered with ease around and within complex structures. With a full propellant load, its mass was 148 kilograms (326 pounds).
Gaseous nitrogen was used as the propellant for the MMU. Two aluminium tanks with Kevlar wrappings contained 5.9 kilograms of nitrogen each, enough propellant for a six-hour EVA depending on the amount of maneuvering done. Typical MMU delta-v (velocity change) capability was about 80 feet per second (25 m/s).
There were 24 nozzle thrusters placed at different locations on the MMU. To operate the propulsion system, the astronaut used his fingertips to manipulate hand controllers at the ends of the MMU's two arms. The right controller produced rotational acceleration for roll, pitch, and yaw. The left controller produced translational acceleration for moving forward-back, up-down, and left-right. Coordination of the two controllers produced intricate movements in the unit. Once a desired orientation was achieved, the astronaut could engage an automatic attitude-hold function that maintained the inertial attitude of the unit in flight. This freed both hands for work.
Frame of color news-released stills. This was a Tail Cone Off Mission. Two (2) T'38's follow Enterprise toward landing. Dryden Flight Research Station (DFRC), CA
Credit: NASA
Image Number: s77-28965
Date: October 12, 1977
The Space Shuttle Enterprise (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle orbiter. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight. On September 17, 1976 the first full scale prototype was completed.
In the upper left corner:
The Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) is an astronaut propulsion unit that was used by NASA on three Space Shuttle missions in 1984.
The MMU allowed the astronauts to perform untethered EVA spacewalks at a distance from the shuttle. The MMU was used in practice to retrieve a pair of faulty communications satellites, Westar VI and Palapa B2. Following the third mission the unit was retired from use. A smaller successor, the Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER), was first flown in 1994, and is intended for emergency use only.
The unit featured redundancy to protect against failure of individual systems. It was designed to fit over the life-support system backpack of the Space Shuttle Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU). When carried into space, the MMU was stowed in a support station attached to the wall of the payload bay near the airlock hatch. Two MMUs were carried on a mission, with the second unit mounted across from the first on the opposite payload bay wall. The MMU controller arms were folded for storage. When an astronaut backed into the unit and snapped the life-support system into place, the arms were unfolded.
To adapt to astronauts with different arm lengths, controller arms could be adjusted over a range of approximately 13 centimetres. The MMU was small enough to be maneuvered with ease around and within complex structures. With a full propellant load, its mass was 148 kilograms (326 pounds).
Gaseous nitrogen was used as the propellant for the MMU. Two aluminium tanks with Kevlar wrappings contained 5.9 kilograms of nitrogen each, enough propellant for a six-hour EVA depending on the amount of maneuvering done. Typical MMU delta-v (velocity change) capability was about 80 feet per second (25 m/s).
There were 24 nozzle thrusters placed at different locations on the MMU. To operate the propulsion system, the astronaut used his fingertips to manipulate hand controllers at the ends of the MMU's two arms. The right controller produced rotational acceleration for roll, pitch, and yaw. The left controller produced translational acceleration for moving forward-back, up-down, and left-right. Coordination of the two controllers produced intricate movements in the unit. Once a desired orientation was achieved, the astronaut could engage an automatic attitude-hold function that maintained the inertial attitude of the unit in flight. This freed both hands for work.
The Space Shuttle Enterprise (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle orbiter. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight. On September 17, 1976 the first full scale prototype was completed.
Highlight of the Paris Airshow 1983 😎 :)
A close up of the Space Shuttle prototype OV-101 'Enterprise' on the back of NASA Boeing 747 N905NA, seen on static display at the Paris Airshow at Le Bourget. In the foreground is Casa 212 Aviocar ECT-131.
N905NA c/n 20107 - Boeing 747-123 - delivered new to American Airlines in 1970 as N9668, the aircraft was converted in 1974 as a Space Shuttle carrier. The aircraft made it's only visit to the Paris Air Show in 1983, carrying the Space Shuttle 'Enterprise'. N905NA made its last flight with Space Shuttle 'Discovery' on 17th April 2012 from Kennedy Space Center - Washington Dulles, and was then stored at Ellington Field.
Space Shuttle 'Enterprise' (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) - was the first Space Shuttle. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere, aided by modified Boeing 747 N905NA. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight.
During 1983 and 1984 'Enterprise' undertook an international tour visiting France, Germany, Italy, Canada and the UK.
More on Space Shuttle 'Enterprise' here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_Enterprise
Taken with a Soviet made Zenith TTL camera and standard lens. From an original slide, scanned with minimal digital restoration.
You can see a random selection of my aviation memories here: www.flickriver.com/photos/heathrowjunkie/random/
The Space Shuttle Enterprise (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle orbiter. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight. On September 17, 1976 the first full scale prototype was completed.
In the upper left corner:
The Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) is an astronaut propulsion unit that was used by NASA on three Space Shuttle missions in 1984.
The MMU allowed the astronauts to perform untethered EVA spacewalks at a distance from the shuttle. The MMU was used in practice to retrieve a pair of faulty communications satellites, Westar VI and Palapa B2. Following the third mission the unit was retired from use. A smaller successor, the Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER), was first flown in 1994, and is intended for emergency use only.
The unit featured redundancy to protect against failure of individual systems. It was designed to fit over the life-support system backpack of the Space Shuttle Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU). When carried into space, the MMU was stowed in a support station attached to the wall of the payload bay near the airlock hatch. Two MMUs were carried on a mission, with the second unit mounted across from the first on the opposite payload bay wall. The MMU controller arms were folded for storage. When an astronaut backed into the unit and snapped the life-support system into place, the arms were unfolded.
To adapt to astronauts with different arm lengths, controller arms could be adjusted over a range of approximately 13 centimetres. The MMU was small enough to be maneuvered with ease around and within complex structures. With a full propellant load, its mass was 148 kilograms (326 pounds).
Gaseous nitrogen was used as the propellant for the MMU. Two aluminium tanks with Kevlar wrappings contained 5.9 kilograms of nitrogen each, enough propellant for a six-hour EVA depending on the amount of maneuvering done. Typical MMU delta-v (velocity change) capability was about 80 feet per second (25 m/s).
There were 24 nozzle thrusters placed at different locations on the MMU. To operate the propulsion system, the astronaut used his fingertips to manipulate hand controllers at the ends of the MMU's two arms. The right controller produced rotational acceleration for roll, pitch, and yaw. The left controller produced translational acceleration for moving forward-back, up-down, and left-right. Coordination of the two controllers produced intricate movements in the unit. Once a desired orientation was achieved, the astronaut could engage an automatic attitude-hold function that maintained the inertial attitude of the unit in flight. This freed both hands for work.
The Space Shuttle Enterprise (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle orbiter. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight. On September 17, 1976 the first full scale prototype was completed.
In the upper left corner:
The Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) is an astronaut propulsion unit that was used by NASA on three Space Shuttle missions in 1984.
The MMU allowed the astronauts to perform untethered EVA spacewalks at a distance from the shuttle. The MMU was used in practice to retrieve a pair of faulty communications satellites, Westar VI and Palapa B2. Following the third mission the unit was retired from use. A smaller successor, the Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue (SAFER), was first flown in 1994, and is intended for emergency use only.
The unit featured redundancy to protect against failure of individual systems. It was designed to fit over the life-support system backpack of the Space Shuttle Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU). When carried into space, the MMU was stowed in a support station attached to the wall of the payload bay near the airlock hatch. Two MMUs were carried on a mission, with the second unit mounted across from the first on the opposite payload bay wall. The MMU controller arms were folded for storage. When an astronaut backed into the unit and snapped the life-support system into place, the arms were unfolded.
To adapt to astronauts with different arm lengths, controller arms could be adjusted over a range of approximately 13 centimetres. The MMU was small enough to be maneuvered with ease around and within complex structures. With a full propellant load, its mass was 148 kilograms (326 pounds).
Gaseous nitrogen was used as the propellant for the MMU. Two aluminium tanks with Kevlar wrappings contained 5.9 kilograms of nitrogen each, enough propellant for a six-hour EVA depending on the amount of maneuvering done. Typical MMU delta-v (velocity change) capability was about 80 feet per second (25 m/s).
There were 24 nozzle thrusters placed at different locations on the MMU. To operate the propulsion system, the astronaut used his fingertips to manipulate hand controllers at the ends of the MMU's two arms. The right controller produced rotational acceleration for roll, pitch, and yaw. The left controller produced translational acceleration for moving forward-back, up-down, and left-right. Coordination of the two controllers produced intricate movements in the unit. Once a desired orientation was achieved, the astronaut could engage an automatic attitude-hold function that maintained the inertial attitude of the unit in flight. This freed both hands for work.
The Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" soars above the NASA 747 carrier aircraft during the second Free Flight during the Shuttle Approach and Landing (ALT) tests. Free Flight 2 took place on September 13, 1977, at Dryden Flight Research Center (now the Armstrong Flight Research Center) in California.
Credit: NASA
Image Number: S77-28137
Date: September 13, 1977
Highlight of the Paris Airshow 1983 😎 :)
A full-frontal close up of the Space Shuttle prototype OV-101 'Enterprise' on the back of NASA Boeing 747 N905NA, parked on show at the Paris Airshow at Le Bourget. This view shows off the design of the spacecraft well I think :)
N905NA c/n 20107 - Boeing 747-123 - delivered new to American Airlines in 1970 as N9668, the aircraft was converted in 1974 as a Space Shuttle carrier. The aircraft made it's only visit to the Paris Air Show in 1983, carrying the Space Shuttle 'Enterprise'. N905NA made its last flight with Space Shuttle 'Discovery' on 17th April 2012 from Kennedy Space Center - Washington Dulles, and was then stored at Ellington Field.
Space Shuttle 'Enterprise' (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) - was the first Space Shuttle. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere, aided by modified Boeing 747 N905NA. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight.
During 1983 and 1984 'Enterprise' undertook an international tour visiting France, Germany, Italy, Canada and the UK.
More on Space Shuttle 'Enterprise' here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_Enterprise
Taken with a Soviet made Zenith TTL camera and standard lens. From an original slide, scanned with minimal digital restoration.
You can see a random selection of my aviation memories here: www.flickriver.com/photos/heathrowjunkie/random/
The Space Shuttle Enterprise (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle orbiter. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight. On September 17, 1976 the first full scale prototype was completed.
“SHUTTLE ALT CAPTIVE INERT FLIGHT-----The Shuttle Orbiter 101 “Enterprise” is seen riding “piggy-back” atop the NASA 747 during the first of six Approach and Landing Test unmanned, inert Orbiter flights made at the Dryden Flight Research Center in Southern California on February 18, 1977. This picture was taken by a photographer riding in a T-38 chase plane which was flying on the right and alongside the 747/Orbiter. Specially installed support struts hold the Orbiter onto the larger, carrier aircraft. The purpose of this flight was to obtain evaluation of the low speed performance and handling qualities. The tailcone on the Orbiter is an aerodynamic fairing to reduce buffeting on the 747 tail surface. The 747/Orbiter is flying at about 16,000 feet altitude. This first captive, inert flight of the Orbiter was about 2 hours and 8 minutes in duration.”
So, the very first time that OV-101 "took flight".
Wow, a really well-written NASA caption. And, it’s from 1977! I’ll be damned.
What's that sticking up from the orbiter, near the overhead observation windows?
New York City and indeed Manhattan seems the least likely place for a museum of the U.S. Air Force, Navy and space. Yet here it is, the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum at West 46th Street at 12th Avenue -- the west end of Midtown Manhattan.
Space Shuttle Enterprise (Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) was the first orbiter of the Space Shuttle system. Rolled out on September 17, 1976, it was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform atmospheric test flights after being launched from a modified Boeing 747.[1] It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield. As a result, it was not capable of spaceflight.
The Orbiter Enterprise rolled out of its assembly building in Palmdale, CA, in 1976. It was the prototype for all future shuttle orbiters to follow. Its most significant contribution to the shuttle program was the Approach and Landing Test program in 1977, a crucial phase that tested the orbiter's ability to glide and land like an airplane. The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), a specially modified Boeing 747, carried the orbiter aloft. The SCA released Enterprise for a gliding approach, proving the concept that a winged spacecraft returning from orbit could successfully land on a conventional runway.
Enterprise, despite her limitations, flew five of these missions, each lasting only a few minutes. As an atmospheric test vehicle, she lacked the thermal tiles and reinforced carbon-carbon components that the other shuttles had. Nor did Enterprise carry larger systems such as engines, radar, and outfitted crew compartments, which were challenges and constraints that were commonly faced in the early days of space exploration.
After all flight tests were completed, the rest of the orbiter fleet was constructed in succession, and orbital missions began in 1981. Enterprise was initially considered for an upgrade to orbital capability, but this plan was later abandoned after it was determined to be structurally heavier than other vehicles.
Enterprise was used for ground tests after the disasters of the shuttles Challenger (OV-099) in January 1986 and Columbia (OV-102) in February 2003. These tests were critical in understanding the causes behind these disasters and improving safety on future missions. However, most of her career has involved being on static display, from the Paris Air Show in 1983 to the New Orleans World's Fair in 1984 and from 1985 to 2011, when it was part of the National Air and Space Museum's collection at the Udvar-Hazy Center in Virginia. A few years later, she was moved via barge to her new home at the Intrepid where it remains today.
When you walk right up to a Space Shuttle and see how big it really is, it is amazingly impressive. The Space Shuttle Enterprise was used for training, but it still stunning.
The Space Shuttle Enterprise (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) was the first Space Shuttle orbiter. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight. (wikipedia)
The 747 Shuttle carrier aircraft and NASA T-38 photo chase aircraft fly over the Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise after its third free-flight test (ALT-14) at NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards Air Force Base, California on September 23, 1977. The orbiter was piloted by Fred Haise & C. Gordon Fullerton.
Pertinent extract from “Free Enterprise: Contributions of the Approach and Landing Test (ALT) Program to the Development of the Space Shuttle Orbiter”:
“The orbiter’s c.g. was moved aft from 63.8 percent to 65.8 percent of the reference body length for FF-3 to simulate tailcone-off stability characteristics at 67 percent. Separation from the SCA was initiated at 250 KEAS and 24,100 feet. The crew accomplished wind-up turns of 140 percent and 40 percent and performed test inputs and aerodynamic stick inputs as on the previous flight. Closed-loop automatic guidance was employed after the final turn and Enterprise landed on runway 17 with five minutes and 35 seconds of flight time. Touchdown was 786 ft beyond the predicted point and rollout was 9,147 feet. After coasting for 23 sec, the crew applied gentle to moderate differential braking commencing at a speed of about 150 knots. When hard braking was applied at low speeds (from 115 to 20 kn), the chattering effect was again detected. This low-frequency vibration was so violent that pilot Gordon Fullerton later commented, “I thought we were going to shake the wings off.” Nose wheel touchdown took place 3,489 ft after main gear touchdown and the crew engaged nose wheel steering at a speed of 12 knots. Following the flight, engineers developed changes to the anti-skid system in order to eliminate the brake chatter problem.”
At:
ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20070034952/downloads/2007003...
Highlight of the Paris Airshow 1983 😎 :)
A full-frontal close up of the Space Shuttle prototype OV-101 'Enterprise' on the back of NASA Boeing 747 N905NA, parked on show at the Paris Airshow at Le Bourget. Visitors seem to be passing by oblivious to this amazing sight :)
N905NA c/n 20107 - Boeing 747-123 - delivered new to American Airlines in 1970 as N9668, the aircraft was converted in 1974 as a Space Shuttle carrier. The aircraft made it's only visit to the Paris Air Show in 1983, carrying the Space Shuttle 'Enterprise'. N905NA made its last flight with Space Shuttle 'Discovery' on 17th April 2012 from Kennedy Space Center - Washington Dulles, and was then stored at Ellington Field.
Space Shuttle 'Enterprise' (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) - was the first Space Shuttle. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere, aided by modified Boeing 747 N905NA. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight.
During 1983 and 1984 'Enterprise' undertook an international tour visiting France, Germany, Italy, Canada and the UK.
More on Space Shuttle 'Enterprise' here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_Enterprise
Taken with a Soviet made Zenith TTL camera and standard lens. From an original slide, scanned with minimal digital restoration.
You can see a random selection of my aviation memories here: www.flickriver.com/photos/heathrowjunkie/random/
Highlight of the Paris Airshow 1983 😎 :)
A full-frontal close up of the Space Shuttle prototype OV-101 'Enterprise' on the back of NASA Boeing 747 N905NA, parked on show at the Paris Airshow at Le Bourget. An interesting comparison of tails I think :)
Spot the 'mystery' aircraft in the flying display.
N905NA c/n 20107 - Boeing 747-123 - delivered new to American Airlines in 1970 as N9668, the aircraft was converted in 1974 as a Space Shuttle carrier. The aircraft made it's only visit to the Paris Air Show in 1983, carrying the Space Shuttle 'Enterprise'. N905NA made its last flight with Space Shuttle 'Discovery' on 17th April 2012 from Kennedy Space Center - Washington Dulles, and was then stored at Ellington Field.
Space Shuttle 'Enterprise' (NASA Orbiter Vehicle Designation: OV-101) - was the first Space Shuttle. It was built for NASA as part of the Space Shuttle program to perform test flights in the atmosphere, aided by modified Boeing 747 N905NA. It was constructed without engines or a functional heat shield, and was therefore not capable of spaceflight.
During 1983 and 1984 'Enterprise' undertook an international tour visiting France, Germany, Italy, Canada and the UK.
More on Space Shuttle 'Enterprise' here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Shuttle_Enterprise
Taken with a Soviet made Zenith TTL camera and standard lens. From an original slide, scanned with minimal digital restoration.
You can see a random selection of my aviation memories here: www.flickriver.com/photos/heathrowjunkie/random/
Orbiter Vehicle 101 (OV-101), “Enterprise”, atop a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), moments before touchdown on Runway 22, Edwards Air Force Base. The vehicle combination had just completed the first ‘captive-active’ flight of the Shuttle Program’s Approach and Landing Tests (ALT).
The five-minute, 46-second flight on June 18, 1977, was the sixth actual flight of the orbiter. In the previous five test flights, referred to as ‘captive-inert’, the orbiter remained unpowered & uncrewed.
Astronauts Fred W. Haise Jr., commander, and C. Gordon Fullerton, pilot, were the crew for this flight. The captive-active flights were intended to determine the optimum profile required for Enterprise to separate from the SCA during the orbiter's free-flights. These were also intended to refine and test the orbiter crew procedures and to ensure the operational readiness of the orbiter's systems.
My above paraphrasing & flight identification are per Wikipedia and the NASA SPACEFLIGHT.com website, specifically user “jacqmans”, at:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Approach_and_Landing_Tests
forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=5352.0
forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic...