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Home , Doug Hurley, Expedition 28, Mobile launcher platform, Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, Space Shuttle Challenger, United Space Alliance

July 22, 2011 SPECIAL EDITION Vol. 51, No. 14 Spaceport News John F. Kennedy Center - America’s gateway to the universe

Missions accomplished!

he . us improvements in com- There was never Final Numbers munication, technology, Tanother medicine and space explo- like it . . . as large as a Individuals Flown: 355 Total Fliers: 852 ration. Not only that, it DC-9 airliner, but strong also has provided me with enough to withstand the Miles Traveled: 542,398,878 the opportunity to meet vacuum of space . . . big Earth Orbits: 21,156 truly wonderful people enough to carry huge and work on a unique and satellites and built to be Time in Space: 1,332 days, 20 hours, 1 minute, 34 seconds iconic piece of history.” reused dozens of times. Robert Smith, aircraft And it had wings, just like servicer, URS Fed- the imagined spaceships supervisor, Brevard portunity to showcase treasure may never be eral Technical Services: science fiction writers Achievement: “To be part an American work force replicated again.” “Working at KSC the designed for their fan- of the space program has with extreme passion, Rachel Wiedemann, last 10 years has been a tastic tales of adventure. been the most rewarding dedication and innova- aerothermal engineer, dream come true. Work- And there may never be time of my working life. tion. This American The Co.: “The ing around true American another spacecraft quite To all, ‘thank you.’ ” space shuttle has meant heroes and being a part of like it again. Mark Nappi, vice seven years of the most a team as big as ours here Every employee who president of Launch incredible, inspiring job has forever changed my has worked at Kennedy and Recovery Systems, I could have ever asked life.” Space Center during the United Space Alliance for. I have had the joy Roger McCormick, past 30 years has followed (USA): “The Space of waking up for former aerospace techni- his or her own unique Shuttle Program work and being cian, USA: “Growing career path, but one thing has been a mark excited about up in West I they all have in common of American what I do. It read and studied all I is the lasting impression ingenuity and has allowed could dealing with every the space shuttle fleet has technical me to play a facet of space explora- made on their lives. superiority. fulfilling role tion, knowing that one As NASA’s Space As equally in a part of day I would move to Shuttle Program came important, American and work at the to a close, a few of them it’s also culture place where are shared their thoughts of been an that has launched. The Space gratitude, sadness and op- brought Shuttle Program allowed pride in the shuttles’ me to fulfill my dream for legacy: nearly 23 years, working Bob Youngquist, phys- hands on with the orbiters icist, NASA: “The space every day.” shuttle provided a steady Stanley Starr, Ap- flow of challenging prob- plied Physics branch lems that kept many of us chief, NASA: “The Space motivated and focused on Shuttle Program has pro- something important and vided me with a tangible. I will cherish career of fascinating tech- this time and am grateful I nical challenges, allowed had this opportunity.” James Sconiers, area See SHUTTLE, Page 6 Page 2 SPACEPORT NEWS July 22, 2011

“This mission “The shuttle “The space “What this (STS-135) program brought shuttle has team has marks the final our nation many provided accomplished flight of the firsts and many unbelievable during the past Space Shuttle proud moments. benefit and 30 years will be Program and I was proud to return on the talked about and also ushers in be part of the investment of admired for an exciting new shuttle program the American generations to era, to push the and will carry taxpayer. This is come. We have frontiers of space those experiences not the end, but accomplished exploration and human .” with me for the rest of my life.” the start of the next chapter.” what no one else has been able to do.”

President Barack Obama Charlie Bolden Lori Garver Bob Cabana NASA Administrator NASA Deputy Administrator Director Congress honors NASA on historic milestones On July 13, 2011, the viduals will have flown 852 and astronomy; configuration of the entire on , 1986, and Senate unanimously passed times during the history of Whereas the Space Space Transportation System the Resolution 233, honoring the Space Shuttle Program, Shuttle Program has execut- contains approximately accident, which occurred on America’s space agency and beginning with the launch of ed the launch and service of 2,500,000 moving parts and, February 1, 2003; its workers. It reads: the first Space Transporta- the , at lift-off, weighs approxi- (4) notes the diligence in tion System flight on April enabling groundbreaking mately 4,500,000 pounds; applying the lessons learned onoring the men and 12, 1981; and breathtaking views of and through the Challenger and women of the Na- Whereas a spirit of the universe outside of our Whereas the space Columbia tragedies to honor Htional Aeronautics international partnership has solar system; shuttles can travel around the the 14 crewmembers we lost and Space Administration been fostered among the Whereas the space Earth at a speed of approxi- and enhance the safety of the Space Shuttle Program on 16 countries represented on shuttles have docked to 2 mately 17,500 miles per crewmembers that followed; reaching the historic mile- the space shuttle missions different space stations, with hour: Now, therefore, be it (5) recognizes that the stone of the 135th and final flown during the history of 9 missions to Mir, the space Resolved, That the Senate-- Space Shuttle Program has flight of the Space Transpor- the Space Shuttle Program, station of the Government (1) congratulates the inspired generations of chil- tation System. including Belgium, , of Russia, and 37 missions National Aeronautics and dren to become engineers, Whereas the launch of France, Germany, Israel, to the International Space Space Administration on scientists, and explorers, the on Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Station; reaching the historic mile- which has led to maintaining July 8, 2011, is the 135th and Netherlands, Russia, Saudi Whereas the Space stone of the 135th and final the precedent of leadership final flight of the National Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Shuttle Program has been flight of the Space Transpor- Aeronautics and Space Ad- Switzerland, Ukraine, and essential to the on-orbit as- tation System; in human space explora- ministration Space Transpor- the United States; sembly of the International (2) honors the men and tion set by the United States tation System (STS-135) and Whereas the space Space Station and vital to women of the Space Shuttle during the Mercury, Gemini, the 33rd flight of the space shuttles together have flown ensuring the continued vi- Program, who worked tire- and missions; and shuttle Atlantis; 537,114,016 miles, with ability and support of the lessly to design, build, and (6) acknowledges that Whereas the National STS-135 adding an addi- International Space Station; operate the Space Trans- the Space Shuttle Program Aeronautics and Space tional 4,000,000 miles; Whereas the space portation System, in order has, through its technologi- Administration built 5 Whereas, during the shuttles have landed at the to promote science, explo- cal advancements and scien- space-capable orbiters, the history of the Space Shuttle Kennedy Space Center 77 ration, and international tific research, driven innova- Columbia, the Challenger, Program, more than 2,000 times, at Edwards Air Force cooperation; tion in the fields of science, the Discovery, the Atlantis, on-orbit experiments have Base 54 times, and at the (3) remembers the 14 technology, engineering, and and the Endeavour; been conducted in the fields White Sands Test Facility crewmembers lost during mathematics to benefit the Whereas, with the of Earth science, biology, once; the people of the United States launch of STS-135, 355 indi- fluids, materials sciences, Whereas the launch accident, which occurred and all of humankind. July 22, 2011 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 3

research vessel HMS Chal- It also launched the first Challenger lenger that sailed the Atlan- African-American tic and Pacific oceans during into space, the 1870s. Jr., on STS-8 (August/Sep- OV-099 Like its historic prede- tember 1983). Total Crew: 60 cessors, Challenger and As the first shuttle to Miles Traveled: 23,661,290 its crews made significant launch and land at night Earth Orbits: 995 scientific contributions in on the STS-8 mission, Time in Space: the spirit of exploration. Challenger also made the 62 days, 7 hours, Challenger launched on first landing at Kennedy, its maiden voyage, STS-6, concluding the STS-41B 56 minutes, 22 seconds on April 4, 1983. That mis- mission (February 1984). irst called STA-099, sion saw the first spacewalk Spacelabs 2 and 3 flew Challenger was of the shuttle program, as aboard the ship on mis- built to serve as a well as the deployment sions STS-51F (July/August F of the first satellite in the 1985) and STS-51B (April/ test vehicle for NASA’s Space Shuttle Program. Tracking and Data Relay May 1985), as did the first NASA file/1982 But despite its earthbound System constellation. German-dedicated Space shuttle Challenger is raised vertically Nov. 23, 1982, on a special lifting beginnings, STA-099 was The shuttle launched the on STS-61A (October/ sling in preparation for mating with its external fuel tank and solid boosters in High Bay 3. destined for space as OV- first American woman into November 1985). 099, or Orbiter Vehicle-099. space, , on the A host of scientific experi- and redeployment of an Just 73 seconds into the Bearing the name “Chal- STS-7 mission (June 1983), ments and satellite deploy- orbiting satellite during STS-51L mission, Challeng- lenger,” the shuttle arrived and was the first to carry ments were performed dur- STS-41C (April 1984). er’s seven and at Kennedy Space Center two U.S. female astronauts ing Challenger’s missions. Challenger’s service spacecraft were lost when in July 1982. It was named during the STS-41G (Octo- Challenger also saw the to America’s space program a booster failure caused an after the British Naval ber 1984) mission. first in-flight capture, repair ended on Jan. 28, 1986. explosion.

NASA file/1983 NASA file/1982 Astronauts Story Musgrave, left, and Donald Peterson float in the cargo bay of space shuttle Challenger during their April 7, Space shuttle Challenger arrives at Kennedy Space Center on July 5, 1982. 1983, spacewalk on the STS-6 mission, the first of the shuttle program.

In Memoriam Spaceport News honors all the astronauts and space workers who sacrificed their lives for America’s space program so that we may live a better life. Page 4 SPACEPORT NEWS July 22, 2011

Orbiter Vehicle-102, carries Columbia a legacy of groundbreak- ing scientific research and notable firsts in spaceflight. OV-102 Columbia operated the Total Crew: 160 first Spacelab on STS-9 Miles Traveled: 121,696,993 (November/December Earth Orbits: 4,808 1983). The space-based Time in Space: science lab played host to 300 days, 17 hours, unprecedented research in astronomy, biology and 40 minutes, 22 seconds other sciences. Spacelab ultimately finished where its bright white Colum- career began; its 16th and bia roared into final mission was hoisted A a deep blue sky as into space aboard Columbia the nation’s first reusable in 1998. space shuttle April 12, 1981. Columbia also changed Named after the first the look of astronauts

American ocean vessel to who flew into space from NASA file/1984 circle the globe as well as NASA’s previous human Space shuttle Columbia undergoes modifications in Rockwelll International’s assembly facility in Palmdale, Calif., on May 3, 1984. the command module for spaceflight programs. the moon land- Germany’s Dr. Ulf Merbold history as the first Japanese Columbia’s STS-93 mis- ended on Feb. 1, 2003. ing, Columbia continued became the first European woman to fly in space on sion. As the shuttle lifted off NASA’s heritage of intrepid Space Agency astronaut STS-65 (July 1994). One of Columbia’s great- from Kennedy Space Center exploration. when he flew aboard STS-9. Also, Eileen Collins est achievements was the on Jan. 16, a small portion Columbia, commonly Chiaki Naito-Mukai, of became the first female to deployment of the gleaming of foam broke away from referred to as OV-102, for Japan’s space agency, made command a shuttle aboard Chandra X-ray Observatory the orange external fuel tank in July 1999. and struck the shuttle’s left Carried into space inside wing. the shuttle’s payload bay on The resulting damage STS-93, Chandra special- created a hole in the wing’s ized in viewing deep space leading edge, which caused objects and finding the an- the loss of Columbia’s swers to astronomy’s most seven crew members when fundamental questions. the spacecraft broke apart Columbia’s service during re-entry into Earth’s to America’s space program atmosphere.

NASA file/1979 NASA file/1982 Space shuttle Columbia arrives in Orbiter Processing Facility-1 on March 25, 1979. It stayed for 610 days before rolling over Columbia, on its STS-3 mission, was the only shuttle to land at the White Sands to the Vehicle Assembly Building in preparation for STS-1. Space Harbor near Las Cruces, N.M. The mission ended March 22, 1982. July 22, 2011 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 5

“Discovery’s a workhorse, February 1997 and STS-103 Discovery fleet leader in number of in December 1999. flights. It still looks like a Discovery has the distinc- tion of flying Return to OV-103 new car after almost Flight missions twice. The Total Crew: 252 30 years of service. first was for STS-26 (Sep- Miles Traveled: 148,221,675 It’s a great machine, tember/October 1988), and Earth Orbits: 5,830 a great vehicle.” the second when it carried Time in Space: 365 days the STS-114 crew to the Steve Lindsey International Space Station iscovery, OV-103, in July 2005. was NASA’s third STS-133 Since its inaugural flight, Dspace shuttle to join Commander Discovery completed more the fleet. The shuttle arrived than 30 successful missions, at Kennedy Space Center in James Cook in the 1770s during his voyages in the surpassing the number of November 1983, and after South Pacific, leading to the flights made by any other checkout and processing, it discovery of the Hawaiian shuttle in NASA’s fleet. launched Aug. 30, 1984, for Islands. In addition, two During its many success- NASA file/1983 its first mission, STS-41D, British Royal Geographical ful trips to space, Discovery is constructed in ’s assembly facility to deploy three communica- in Palmdale, Calif., in 1983. Society ships have carried has carried satellites aloft, tions satellites. the name “Discovery” as ferried modules and crews Discovery carried on a they sailed on expeditions to the space station, and pro- tradition drawn from some to the North Pole and the vided the setting for count- historic, earthbound explor- Antarctic. less scientific experiments. ing ships of the past. One Destined for exploring Discovery wrapped up its of these sailing forerunners the heavens instead of the spaceflight journey with the was the vessel used in the seas, it was only fitting that STS-133 mission in March early 1600s by Henry Hud- NASA’s Discovery carried 2011. Now, the shuttle is son to explore Hudson Bay the Hubble Space Tele- being prepared for perma- and search for a northwest scope into space during the nent public display at the passage from the Atlantic to STS-31 mission in April Smithsonian’s National Air the Pacific. 1990, and provided both the and Space Museum Steven Another such ship was second and third Hubble ser- F. Udvar-Hazy Center in used by British explorer vicing missions -- STS-82 in Virginia.

NASA file/1984 NASA/Frankie Martin Space shuttle Discovery, lifts off Kennedy Space Center’s 39A on Aug. Space shuttle Discovery begins its nighttime trek, known as “rollout,” from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Pad 39A on 30, 1984, beginning its first spaceflight mission, STS-41D. Sept. 20, 2010, for its STS-133 mission. Page 6 SPACEPORT NEWS July 22, 2011 July 22, 2011 SPACEPORT NEWS Page 7

From SHUTTLE, Page 1 machine ever.” Wayne Bingham, Dis- me to work with unbelievably covery flow manager, USA: talented people and taught me “These vehicles really take that even a great organization on their own personality, and can fail at times. I’ve been a we as people have interfaced member of the shuttle family with them. Now, the end of for over 30 years and its end- the era is coming. It’s going ing gives me great sadness.” to be a tough day not only to Adriana Gomez, Opera- see them decommissioned, but tions Security coordinator, it’s really going to be tough to USA: “I have never worked see them ferried off to a future with a more talented and display site.” dedicated work force than Mike Parrish, Endeavour that at Kennedy Space Center. vehicle operations chief, I am proud to be a part of USA: “We love the shuttle the remarkable space shuttle program. And we’re all very legacy.” proud of what we’ve done for NASA file/1982 Peter Chitko, mechanical the shuttle program.” Space shuttle Challenger moves through the fog on its way to Launch Pad 39A at Kennedy Space systems technical integration Mark Barnes, orbiter Center on Nov. 30, 1982. manager, NASA: “The space operations manager, USA: “I shuttle has afforded me the op- guess it will be kind of a bit- portunity to fulfill a childhood tersweet memory. You know, dream to be a member of the these things have been flying world’s greatest launch team for quite awhile and we’ve all with the honored privilege been proud to be a part of it of overseeing these priceless and we all will miss that part national assets.” of it. But, you know, every- Michael Giordano, test en- thing has to come to a close gineer, USA: “Working as an sometime.” engineer on the space shuttle Dana Hutcherson, Endea- has been an incredible experi- vour flow director, NASA: ence and is something that I “I’m happy to share the vehi- will cherish and remember for cle with the world. Is it a little the rest of my life.” bittersweet and sad that we’re Constantine Daniel, radar going to be ending her career? technician, CSR: “Our radar Yes, it’s a little sad, but you is located three and a half miles from pad B, and we know, it’s a great, spectacular tracked every shuttle from vehicle, and it’s something NASA file/1982 launch to landing and even that we should be sharing with NASA’s first shuttle, Enterprise, was constructed without engines or a thermal protection system, making in orbit. Shuttle work is what the world and they should be it incapable of spaceflight. However, it did perform test flights in Earth’s atmosphere. I did my whole career, from able to see it.” 1978 to 2011. My whole fam- Jim Bolton, vehicle ily grew up on shuttles.” manager, NASA: “In a few Alyssa Garcia, mission years there’s going to be three and payload operations space-flown orbiters at three engineer, NASA: “I’m always different sites that people are filled with awe every time I going to be able to get up this lay eyes on our space shuttle. close to it. They’re going to be It is a most marvelous vessel able to get the feel of the size, in our quest for adventure and the feel of what this really is. knowledge.” So I kind of look forward to Butch Cabe, Atlantis vehi- this knowing that there’s going cle project manager, Boeing: to be the disappointment as “I will always be very proud of we retire it, but as we prepare being a shuttle team member the vehicles to go I think it’s and of the accomplishments going to really make people we have made. It has been happy and proud. And I hope wonderful to be based here that the public, when they at KSC since STS-1 and to have the opportunity to see the NASA/Kim Shiflett NASA be part of design, assembly, vehicles in the museums, see NASA file/1981 About 2,100 Kennedy Space Center employees stand side-by-side to form a full-scale outline of a outside the Vehicle Space shuttle Atlantis lands on Runway 15 of the on July 21, 2011, completing its STS-1 takes off at 7 a.m. ET April 12, 1981, from Launch Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center. Astronauts processing, launch and landing Assembly Building on March 18, 2011. The unique photo opportunity was designed to honor the Space Shuttle Program’s legacy and the what this has done exactly for STS-135 mission. Its main gear touched down at 5:57:00 a.m. EDT, followed by nose gear touchdown at John Young and Robert Crippen rode space shuttle Columbia 37 times around the Earth. recovery of the greatest flying people who contributed to safely processing, launching and landing the vehicle. the American space program.” 5:57:20 a.m., and wheelstop at 5:57:54 a.m. The landing is the last of NASA’s Space Shuttle Program. Page 8 SPACEPORT NEWS July 8, 2011

“When I think space lic suggestions on ways for Endeavour shuttles, I think the crew to grab the satellite Endeavour in particular, and repairs to be made. The STS-49 crew also recorded OV-105 because she was named Total Crew: 173 footage for an educational by schoolchildren all over video comparing Cook’s first Miles Traveled: 122,883,151 the country, that really voyage with the shuttle’s Earth Orbits: 4,671 shows a carrying on and a maiden voyage. Time in Space: 299 days moving forward, and how Throughout Endeavour’s open-ended and never- illustrious career, the shuttle uthorized by Con- ending that future can be.” made history with even more gress in August 1987 firsts. It conducted the first as a replacement repair mission to NASA’s A Barbara Morgan Hubble Space Telescope on for space shuttle Challenger, Endeavour (OV-105) arrived STS-118 STS-61 (December 1993) at Kennedy Space Center on Mission Specialist and delivered the first U.S. May 7, 1991, piggy-backed component to the Inter- on top of NASA’s new 18th century British explorer national Space Station on . James Cook, an experienced STS-88 (December 1998). For the first time, a seaman, navigator and ama- Endeavour flew 25 missions. shuttle was named through a teur astronomer. Endeavour finished its national competition involv- Endeavour’s first mis- spaceflight journey with the ing students in elementary sion, STS-49, began with STS-134 mission in May/ and secondary schools. They a flawless liftoff on May 7, June 2011. NASA were asked to select a name 1992, beginning a journey After Endeavour is Backdropped by a night view of Earth and the starry sky, based on an exploratory or filled with excitement, transitioned and retired, it is photographed docked at the International Space Station on May 28, 2011. research sea vessel. In May anticipation and many firsts. will head back to where it 1989, President George H. One of Endeavour’s primary took root on the west coast of W. Bush announced the win- assignments was to capture the United States. From the ning name. Intelsat VI, an orbiting, but Science Center in Endeavour was named not functioning, communica- , Endeavour will after a ship chartered to tions satellite, and replace its continue to inspire the next traverse the South Pacific rocket motor. It took three generation of explorers for in 1768 and captained by attempts and a deluge of pub- years to come.

NASA file/1991 NASA file/1992 Endeavour first arrived at Kennedy Space Center May 7, 1991, atop NASA’s new Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. Endeavour made Space shuttle Endeavour, lifts off Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39B on the first service mission to the Hubble Space Telescope on STS-61 (December 1993). May 7, 1992, beginning its first spaceflight mission, STS-49. Page 9 SPACEPORT NEWS July 22, 2011

“Atlantis has done a lion’s Atlantis share of work with regard to the (International Space OV-104 Station) assembly, it did Total Crew: 207 the last Hubble servicing Miles Traveled: 125,935,769 mission, so Atlantis will Earth Orbits: 4,848 have a proud legacy as Time in Space: 307 days far as I’m concerned.” NASA file/1984 Space shuttle Atlantis is built inside ASA’s fourth space- Rockwell International’s assembly rated space shuttle, facility in Palmdale, Calif., on April 13, 1984. Atlantis, designated OV-104, OV-104 “Atlantis,” STS-135 N arrived at Kennedy Space Center on was named after the two- Pilot April 9, 1985. masted boat that served as Atlantis also served as the the primary research vessel components to the Interna- in-orbit launch site for many for the Woods Hole Oceano- tional Space Station, includ- noteworthy spacecraft, graphic Institute in Massa- ing the U.S. laboratory including planetary probes module, Destiny, as well chusetts from 1930 to 1966. and Galileo, as Construction of Atlan- as the Joint Airlock Quest well as the Compton Gam- and multiple sections of the tis began March 3, 1980. ma Ray Observatory. An Weighing in at 151,315 integrated truss structure impressive array of onboard that make up the station’s NASA file/1985 pounds when it rolled out science experiments took backbone. Space shuttle Atlantis lifts off Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Pad 39A on Oct.3, of Rockwell International’s place during most missions Atlantis completed its 1985, beginning its first spaceflight mission, STS-51J. assembly plant in Palmdale, to further enhance space final spaceflight mission, Calif., Atlantis was nearly research in low Earth orbit. STS-135, at 5:57 a.m. EDT 3.5 tons lighter than shuttle Starting with STS-71 July 21, 2011, and will Columbia. (June/July 1995), Atlantis Like its seafaring prede- pioneered the Shuttle-Mir continue to call Florida’s cessor, Atlantis has carried endeavor, flying the first Space Coast home. The on the spirit of explora- seven missions to dock with shuttle will join the rockets, tion with several important the Russian space station. capsules and artifacts from missions. On Oct. 3, 1985, During STS-79 (September the Mercury, Gemini and Atlantis launched for the 1996), the fourth docking Apollo eras at the Ken- first time on the STS-51J mission, Atlantis ferried nedy Space Center Visi- mission with a classi- astronaut Shannon Lucid tor Complex. From there, fied payload for the U.S. back to Earth after her NASA will have the unique Department of Defense. The record-setting 188 days in opportunity to share its spacecraft went on to carry orbit aboard Mir. unparalleled tale of flying four more DoD payloads In recent years, Atlantis the world’s first reusable into space. has delivered several vital spacecraft.

NASA file/2009 NASA file/1985 NASA file/1995 The Hubble Space Telescope stands tall in the cargo bay of space shuttle Atlantis Space Shuttle Atlantis arrives April 9, 1985, between rain showers and clouds Space shuttle Atlantis connects to Rus- following its capture May 13, 2009, during the STS-125 mission. from Rockwelll International’s assembly facility in Palmdale, Calif. sia’s Mir space station July 4, 1995. Page 10 SPACEPORT NEWS July 22, 2011 Page 11 SPACEPORT NEWS July 22, 2011

SRBs, SSMEs and ETs played integral role STS-1 SRB segments used on STS-135 mission External tank provided backbone hen forward assembly, t is a riveting color came from Atlantis’ just below the nose sight -- the the foam insula- WSTS- cone, to distinguish external fuel tion sprayed on its 135 mission lifted it from the right I tank attached to a aluminum struc- off from Launch SRB during re-entry space shuttle, with ture. The insulation Pad 39A on July 8, into the atmosphere twin solid rocket helps the tank act as 2011, on NASA’s and retrieval op- boosters (SRBs) on a thermos bottle to final space shuttle erations out in the either side, as they keep 535,000 gal- launch, it was car- Atlantic Ocean. emerge from the lons of super-cold ried aloft by the last Several facilities For NASA/Steven Siceloff Vehicle Assembly liquid hydrogen two solid rocket at Kennedy were Space shuttle main engines stand lined up in the Space Shuttle Main Engine Processing Facility at Kennedy Space Center on Nov. 24, 2010. Building (VAB) and liquid oxygen boosters (SRBs) used to process the perched atop the from evaporating assembled at Ken- SRBs major com- mobile launcher too quickly. It also nedy Space Center ponents. Main engines proven to be extreme machines and carried by the helped prevent ice for the Space The boosters he space shuttle main engines have and a plus 6,000 degrees F,” said Stephen M. crawler-transporter from forming on Shuttle Program. arrived in eight been one of the brightest success stories Herridge, a main engine systems engineer for to the launch pad. the tank’s exterior Two of the SRB’s segments by railcar of the space shuttle’s career. Powered United Space Alliance. Moving slowly and promoted the major components T along the crawl- right aerodynamic from ATK in Utah. by a combination of fuel and oxygen, a single Each engine relies on a set of turbopumps also helped launch “It takes 22 days SSME, as the engines are called, produces to push fuel and oxygen so it can burn effi- erway, the tank’s shape for launching Columbia on the to build the four about 500,000 pounds of thrust. Working with ciently. The turbopumps produce more power distinctive orange into space. first space shuttle segments into a the two solid rocket boosters for the first two than a locomotive, even though they would fit color shines like a The tanks were launch. flight-ready SRB minutes of launch, three main engines push a on a desk. beacon as if to indi- painted white for External Fuel stacked on the shuttle up to Mach 25 and into orbit in eight “If you look at the engine and you think cate that something the first two shuttle Tank/SRB Vehicle platform,” Mendoza and a half minutes. about putting 1,000 pounds a second through exciting is about to flights. But in order Manager Alicia said. “We call the SSME an extreme machine and the diameter of a dinner plate, that’s what that happen. to reduce launch Mendoza said the NASA/Ben Cooper External Tank- weight by 600 At Kennedy, it’s extreme because on the inlet you’ve got engine does,” Hausman said. cylinder on the left- A crawler-transporter moves a with two solid rocket boosters 138, or ET-138, pounds, subsequent about 600 NASA, liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen and liquid The engines’ success did not come easy. NASA/Jim Grossmann hand forward motor perched on top from the Vehicle Assembly Building’s High Bay 1 to High Bay 3 at Ken- helped launch tanks were left in nedy Space Center on Oct. 27, 2010. USA and ATK hydrogen is minus 420 degrees Fahrenheit,” Engineers began testing engine designs in An external fuel tank is lifted off its transporter in Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle As- segment and the NASA’s last space their natural orange engineers and said Daniel Hausman, the Kennedy Space 1975, at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mis- sembly Building on March 2, 2006. forward skirt on the greater significance main thrust to help Each SRB was Center Site Manager for Pratt and Whitney sissippi. shuttle flight, state beginning technicians worked like every tank when fueled. Stand- tural background right-hand forward is the professional- send space shuttles 149.2 feet tall, Rocketdyne, the company that built and Through all the challenges, the engines, the Atlantis’ STS-135 with the STS-3 to process the SRBs assembly flew on ism of the unique and hundreds of which is only two maintained the engines. “So it’s extremely old only ones of their kind to be reusable, have mission, on July 8, before it, made the ing more than 15 of the space shuttle mission. from beginning to STS-1 in 1981. team of thousands astronauts on 135 feet shorter than the propellant that we’re putting through the turbo been enormously successful throughout the 2011, from Launch 900-mile journey stories tall, it was system by absorb- After a few revi- retrieval until after “Components of individuals who missions into space. Statue of . machinery and then we’re burning it in the program. Pad 39A at Ken- to Florida’s Space the largest single ing the thrust loads sions to designs and launch. flown on the first have retrieved, The SRBs gener- However, each 700- main combustion chamber at 6,000 degrees “I’ll rank the space shuttle main engines at nedy Space Center. Coast from NASA’s part of a shuttle produced at launch materials, the latest and last missions refurbished and ated a combined ton loaded booster “Their skill, ded- Fahrenheit.” the top, I think as far as the extreme tempera- Though not the last Michoud Assembly stack, sometimes by the orbiter and version of the tank, of the program are assembled the hard- thrust of 5.3 million weighed more ication and passion It can do that without melting because the tures, the pressure they operate, the weight, tank to be delivered Facility in Louisi- referred to as the the boosters,” said known as the super a fitting testament ware during the past pounds, which is than three times are the reasons for engine pumps the cryogenic hydrogen through the fact that they have been reusable, that to Kennedy, it was ana. “backbone” of the Alicia Mendoza, lightweight tank, to the robustness of 30 years.” equivalent to as much as the the success of this a series of 1,040 tubes lining the nozzle. they have been so reliable since STS-1 to the last flight tank. Unfueled, each space shuttle. the ET/SRB vehicle was 17,000 pounds the reusable design For three 44 million horse- famous statue. The great nation’s Space “There’s no other piece of machinery that STS-135,” Herridge said. “I still rate the main Arriving at tank weighed in at “The external manager. lighter than the first of the SRBs,” Men- decades, the twin power or 400,000 left SRB sported a Shuttle Program,” can operate between a minus 423 degrees F engines at the top.” Kennedy on July 58,000 pounds and tank actually pro- The tank’s one Columbia used doza said. “Even of SRBs provided the subcompact cars. black stripe on the Mendoza said. 13, 2010, it had, 1.6 million pounds vides the struc- familiar orange in 1981. Page 12 SPACEPORT NEWS July 22, 2011

NASA/Frankie Martin Thousands of workers who have processed, launched and landed NASA’s space shuttles for more than three decades welcome space shuttle Atlantis home during an employee appreciation event July 21, 2011. Word on the Street: What will you remember most about NASA’s Space Shuttle Program?

“Just seeing “The pride of “I was here “The shuttle “It’s been an “What it has the excitement being involved for the first program is just exciting time. meant to the of the people with the one, got to a phenomenal We’re talking next genera- who come Space Shuttle meet Bob experience. about a project tion. . . our fu- Program. The from every- Crippen and John We are the unique to the ture in science where to see a launch.” shuttle is a national true leaders. Not every- entire world.” and technology.” treasure.” Young on STS-1. It was Robert Washington, one can say that. Ray Kindred, Chuck Loftin, Titus Mayes, like being on another Jerrick McLeod, Naval The Boeing Co. Kennedy Space Center Abacus Technology planet, something I’ll never forget.” Ordinance Test Unit “The fact that “Feeling you belong Matt Sisko, “I wouldn’t be here “It’s always been a “What this program without the shuttles. constant. It I’m a space to something . United Space Alliance shuttle baby. . . that is what has brought to all They inspired always gives Americans . . . me to become you warm feel- I was born in being a part “I’ve just loved hear- 1981.” of the Space all the experi- an engineer. I ing when you ing the sonic booms Alicia Muzzy, Shuttle Pro- ments and in- still remember see a shuttle.” since I was Team QNA gram was all about.” ventions made building LEGO Patrick Renna, Russell Fiske, young from my life easier shuttles.” Millennium wherever I “It inspired me to United Space Alliance and more convenient.” Matt Schottel, Engineering and was living in get a higher Diane Gray, Integration “Participating in sci- Florida. Those degree for the Abacus Technology ence payloads last ones were the most “We’ve done a lot that “Return to Flight after next phase and all the proj- significant to me.” “It’s something that benefits society. Not Columbia we of American ects I worked Amy O’Brien, no one has ever ac- human space on made me many people overcame trag- travel.” proud to be an NASA Exchange complished are aware of edy to get back Matthew Baker, American.” except the the importance in space again. Abacus Technology Barbara Navarro, “Our shuttle family. USA. There’s of the research It showed we Ames Research Center It’s a great nothing else being per- were the lead- “The first bunch of like it.” formed in space.” ers in space.” night launch “To see it from start people . . . all John Kelley, Dan Tran, Lara Kearney, I saw . . . to finish . . . dedicated to All Points Logistics Kennedy Space Center Johnson Space Center it’s been 31 it was so launching the years to this shuttles and bright you month. I feel a could read a lot of American bringing them back to John F. Kennedy Space Center newspaper.” pride.” Earth safely.” Roxanne Pistel, Heather Mitchell, Diane Stees, REDE-Critique Johnson Space Center Kennedy Space Center Spaceport News

Spaceport News is an official publication of the Kennedy Space Center and Special Edition Contributors is published online on alternate Fridays by Public Affairs in the interest of KSC civil service and contractor employees. Writers Contributions are welcome and should be submitted three weeks before Linda Herridge, Steven Siceloff, Kay Grinter, publication to Public Affairs, IMCS-440. E-mail submissions can be sent to Rebecca Regan, Anna Heiney, Elaine Marconi KSC-Spaceport-News@mail..gov Contributor Mike Justice Managing editor ...... Candrea Thomas Graphic Design Editor ...... Frank Ochoa-Gonzales Jerry Forney Copy editor ...... Rebecca Regan

Editorial support provided by Abacus Technology Corp. Writers Group. NASA NASA at KSC is on the Internet at www.nasa.gov/kennedy This unprecedented view of space shuttle Atlantis’ re-entry during the final shuttle mission, STS-135, USGPO: 733-049/600142 was photographed on July 21, 2011, by the crew of the International Space Station.