Space Shuttle Orbiter Structures. Orbiter Structures Similarities of the Space Shuttle Orbiter to...
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Transcript of Space Shuttle Orbiter Structures. Orbiter Structures Similarities of the Space Shuttle Orbiter to...
Space Shuttle Space Shuttle Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Similarities of the Space Shuttle Orbiter to conventional Similarities of the Space Shuttle Orbiter to conventional commercial transport aircraft are numerouscommercial transport aircraft are numerous
High-lift main wingsHigh-lift main wings
Vertical stabilizer and rudderVertical stabilizer and rudder
Tubular/cylindrical fuselageTubular/cylindrical fuselage
Horizontal (runway) landing on main and nose wheel landing gearHorizontal (runway) landing on main and nose wheel landing gear
Aluminum alloy primary structureAluminum alloy primary structure
Monocoque outer skin structure (skin and stringer) add to strength Monocoque outer skin structure (skin and stringer) add to strength of inner membersof inner members
Similar fabrication methodsSimilar fabrication methods
Hydraulic aero surfaces used for flight control in the atmosphereHydraulic aero surfaces used for flight control in the atmosphere
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Differences between the Space Shuttle Orbiter and conventional Differences between the Space Shuttle Orbiter and conventional commercial transport aircraft are also numerouscommercial transport aircraft are also numerous
No rear horizontal wing or forward canard for pitch controlNo rear horizontal wing or forward canard for pitch control
Orbiter pitch control with bodyflap, split elevons, and speed brakeOrbiter pitch control with bodyflap, split elevons, and speed brake
Top-opening cargo bayTop-opening cargo bay
Insulation over entire outer surfaceInsulation over entire outer surface
Hypersonic flight control using gas jetsHypersonic flight control using gas jets Some of the subsonic and supersonic flight is controlled with aero Some of the subsonic and supersonic flight is controlled with aero
surfacessurfaces
Unpowered flight through the atmosphere during reentry and Unpowered flight through the atmosphere during reentry and landinglanding
Orbiter Orbiter StructuresStructures
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Basic Orbiter specsBasic Orbiter specs
LengthLength 37.2 m (122')37.2 m (122')
HeightHeight 7.4 m (57')7.4 m (57')
Wingspan Wingspan 3.8 m (78')3.8 m (78')
Launch weight (approx) 104,545 kg (230,000 lb) Launch weight (approx) 104,545 kg (230,000 lb)
Cargo bay capacity Cargo bay capacity 4.6 m x 18.3 m (15' x 60')4.6 m x 18.3 m (15' x 60') 27,273 kg (60,000 lb) (max, 28.5 27,273 kg (60,000 lb) (max, 28.5oo inclination) inclination)
Primary structurePrimary structure Aluminum alloys, steel alloys, Aluminum alloys, steel alloys, titanium, and compositestitanium, and composites
Design life Design life 100 flights100 flights
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Primary structuresPrimary structures
The Orbiter is comprised of nine major sections that house the The Orbiter is comprised of nine major sections that house the systems, payloads and crews, covered by thermal protection systems, payloads and crews, covered by thermal protection insulation. insulation.
1. Forward fuselage1. Forward fuselage2. Wings2. Wings3. Midfuselage3. Midfuselage4. Payload bay doors4. Payload bay doors5. Aft fuselage5. Aft fuselage6. Forward Reaction Control System6. Forward Reaction Control System7. Vertical tail7. Vertical tail8. OMS/RCS System8. OMS/RCS System9. Body flap9. Body flap
Orbiter Primary StructuresOrbiter Primary Structures
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Orbiter constructed as three fuselage sectionsOrbiter constructed as three fuselage sections
Forward fuselageForward fuselage
Mid fuselageMid fuselage
Aft fuselageAft fuselage
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Orbiter Structures – Forward FuselageOrbiter Structures – Forward Fuselage
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Forward fuselageForward fuselage
Double shell Double shell pressurized pressurized structurestructure
Composed of Al Composed of Al 2219 alloy2219 alloy
Pressure vessel Pressure vessel serves as crew serves as crew compartmentcompartment
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Orbiter Structures – Forward Fuselage Orbiter Structures – Forward Fuselage (interior)(interior)
Orbiter Structures – Forward FuselageOrbiter Structures – Forward Fuselage
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Forward fuselageForward fuselage
Initially covered mostly with high-temperature reusable Initially covered mostly with high-temperature reusable surface insulation (HRSI) with the exception of the nose surface insulation (HRSI) with the exception of the nose cap and wing leading edgescap and wing leading edges Much of the HRSI was replaced with Advanced Flexible Much of the HRSI was replaced with Advanced Flexible
Reusable Surface Insulation (AFRSI)Reusable Surface Insulation (AFRSI) Nose cap Composed of reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC)Nose cap Composed of reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC)
Primary flight operations are conducted in upper flight Primary flight operations are conducted in upper flight deck and lower mid deckdeck and lower mid deck
Access hatches for the airlock/docking tunnel and side Access hatches for the airlock/docking tunnel and side hatch are located on the mid deckhatch are located on the mid deck
Contains 12 window sets that are made up of triple-pane Contains 12 window sets that are made up of triple-pane silica glasssilica glass
Orbiter Structures – Forward Flight DeckOrbiter Structures – Forward Flight Deck
Orbiter Structures - WingsOrbiter Structures - Wings
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
WingsWings
The Orbiter wings structure consists of a single The Orbiter wings structure consists of a single pair of main wings attached to the mid fuselage pair of main wings attached to the mid fuselage assemblyassembly
Composed of aluminum alloy using a skin-stringer design Composed of aluminum alloy using a skin-stringer design with a double-delta shape for hypersonic-supersonic-with a double-delta shape for hypersonic-supersonic-subsonic flight stabilitysubsonic flight stability
Outboard section includes a leading-edge spar for Outboard section includes a leading-edge spar for mounting the RCC panels and insulation attachmentsmounting the RCC panels and insulation attachments
Orbiter Structures - WingsOrbiter Structures - Wings
Orbiter Structures – Simple Aircraft WingOrbiter Structures – Simple Aircraft Wing
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
WingsWings
Trailing-edge spar provides a structural mount for Trailing-edge spar provides a structural mount for the split elevon hinges and actuatorsthe split elevon hinges and actuators
Aluminum alloy honeycomb skin panelsAluminum alloy honeycomb skin panels
Split elevon configuration allows roll and pitch Split elevon configuration allows roll and pitch control, with yaw controlled by the rudder mounted control, with yaw controlled by the rudder mounted on the vertical tailon the vertical tail
Complex thermal protection required because of Complex thermal protection required because of gaps and moving surfacesgaps and moving surfaces
Orbiter Structures – Control SurfacesOrbiter Structures – Control Surfaces
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Mid FuselageMid Fuselage
Designed to carry the payload weight while Designed to carry the payload weight while providing a rigid structure to transfer loads form the providing a rigid structure to transfer loads form the main engines and SRBs to and from the Orbiter main engines and SRBs to and from the Orbiter
Designed also to eliminate torsional rotation Designed also to eliminate torsional rotation between the aft and forward fuselage sectionsbetween the aft and forward fuselage sections
Aluminum alloy structure Aluminum alloy structure Dimensions are 60' in length and 17' in widthDimensions are 60' in length and 17' in width Consists of 12 main frames and braces that also Consists of 12 main frames and braces that also
incorporate trusses and stringers for rigidityincorporate trusses and stringers for rigidity
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Mid FuselageMid Fuselage
Longerons on the upper section add stiffness and Longerons on the upper section add stiffness and provide a rigid frame for the payload bay doorsprovide a rigid frame for the payload bay doors Prevents any distortion that could keep the Prevents any distortion that could keep the
payload bay door from opening or closingpayload bay door from opening or closing
Skin panels were machined and included wing Skin panels were machined and included wing gloves ahead of the sidewall sections attached to gloves ahead of the sidewall sections attached to the wings on each sidethe wings on each side
Landing gear support structures were placed on Landing gear support structures were placed on the aft sidewall section of the mid fuselagethe aft sidewall section of the mid fuselage
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Payload bay doorsPayload bay doors
Each payload door is composed of five graphite epoxy Each payload door is composed of five graphite epoxy honeycomb panels with expansion joints for thermal honeycomb panels with expansion joints for thermal gradients during the extreme temperatures in space and gradients during the extreme temperatures in space and during reentryduring reentry
Two aft panels and two forward radiator panels on each Two aft panels and two forward radiator panels on each door door The two radiator panels on the forward half of the door The two radiator panels on the forward half of the door
that can be extended outward to increase the cooling that can be extended outward to increase the cooling efficiencyefficiency
Each of the 18.3 m (60') long doors are covered with Each of the 18.3 m (60') long doors are covered with surface insulation quiltssurface insulation quilts
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Payload bay doorsPayload bay doors
Two Freon cooling loops circulate independently through Two Freon cooling loops circulate independently through the radiator panelsthe radiator panels Additional radiator panels can be added to the payload Additional radiator panels can be added to the payload
bay doors if needed for additional cooling capacitybay doors if needed for additional cooling capacity
The payload bay doors are opened and closed with a 16.8 The payload bay doors are opened and closed with a 16.8 m (55') torque shaftm (55') torque shaft
Positive position latches for the doors can be operated Positive position latches for the doors can be operated either manually or automaticallyeither manually or automatically
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Orbiter Structures – Aft FuselageOrbiter Structures – Aft Fuselage
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Aft FuselageAft Fuselage
Orbiter aft fuselage houses the main propulsion system, Orbiter aft fuselage houses the main propulsion system, the bulk of which are the three SSMEs and the propellant the bulk of which are the three SSMEs and the propellant distribution manifolddistribution manifold
Houses the APU and hydraulic systems, the flash Houses the APU and hydraulic systems, the flash evaporators and the ammonia boilerevaporators and the ammonia boiler
Supports the OMS pods and the vertical tail on the upper Supports the OMS pods and the vertical tail on the upper sectionsection
Structure is comprised of:Structure is comprised of: SSME thrust structureSSME thrust structure Secondary internal structureSecondary internal structure Outer shell made of machined aluminum alloy that adds Outer shell made of machined aluminum alloy that adds
structural strengthstructural strength
Orbiter Structures – Aft FuselageOrbiter Structures – Aft Fuselage
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Aft FuselageAft Fuselage
Aft fuselage skin and structure also create a Aft fuselage skin and structure also create a pressure seal that is vented with actuators for pressure seal that is vented with actuators for equalizing pressures during ascent and reentryequalizing pressures during ascent and reentry
Constructed from aluminum alloysConstructed from aluminum alloys Primary SSME thrust structure is Primary SSME thrust structure is
constructed of titanium truss membersconstructed of titanium truss members
Orbiter Structures – Aft FuselageOrbiter Structures – Aft Fuselage
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Aft FuselageAft Fuselage
The upper, outboard section provides the attachment The upper, outboard section provides the attachment surface for the OMS podssurface for the OMS pods Constructed from aluminum alloysConstructed from aluminum alloys
Top section is the vertical stabilizer support frameTop section is the vertical stabilizer support frame Constructed of titaniumConstructed of titanium
Bottom aft section includes the body flap hinge points Bottom aft section includes the body flap hinge points and actuatorsand actuators
Orbiter Structures – Aft FuselageOrbiter Structures – Aft Fuselage
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Forward Reaction Control SystemForward Reaction Control System
Forward and aft RCS provides attitude control for pitch, Forward and aft RCS provides attitude control for pitch, roll, and yaw on the Orbiterroll, and yaw on the Orbiter
Also furnishes minor translational control for docking Also furnishes minor translational control for docking and undocking and for ET separationand undocking and for ET separation
FRCS consists of a structural frame for the thrusters, FRCS consists of a structural frame for the thrusters, propellant tanks, and associated hardware including propellant tanks, and associated hardware including helium tanks to pressurize the propellant tankshelium tanks to pressurize the propellant tanks
Orbiter Structures – FRCS ModuleOrbiter Structures – FRCS Module
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Forward Reaction Control SystemForward Reaction Control System
Forward and aft RCS provides attitude control for pitch, Forward and aft RCS provides attitude control for pitch, roll, and yaw on the Orbiter on orbitroll, and yaw on the Orbiter on orbit Augments control surfaces in aerodynamic flightAugments control surfaces in aerodynamic flight
Also furnishes minor translational control for docking Also furnishes minor translational control for docking and undocking and for ET separationand undocking and for ET separation
FRCS consists of:FRCS consists of: Structural frame for the thrustersStructural frame for the thrusters Propellant tanksPropellant tanks Associated hardware including helium tanks to pressurize Associated hardware including helium tanks to pressurize
the propellant tanksthe propellant tanks
Orbiter Structures – FRCS ModuleOrbiter Structures – FRCS Module
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Vertical tailVertical tail
Vertical tail and rudder assembly provide yaw Vertical tail and rudder assembly provide yaw control and longitudinal stabilitycontrol and longitudinal stability Tail assembly is effective only in the low supersonic and Tail assembly is effective only in the low supersonic and
subsonic regimesubsonic regime Yaw control in hypersonic and high supersonic flight is Yaw control in hypersonic and high supersonic flight is
provided by the RCS systemprovided by the RCS system
Constructed of aluminum alloy skin, stringers, ribs, Constructed of aluminum alloy skin, stringers, ribs, and sparsand spars Aluminum honeycomb skin on the lower trailing edgeAluminum honeycomb skin on the lower trailing edge
Vertical tail supports the rudder and speed brake Vertical tail supports the rudder and speed brake assemblyassembly
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Vertical tailVertical tail
Surface including the rudder and speed brake is Surface including the rudder and speed brake is covered with thermal tiles and blankets,covered with thermal tiles and blankets, Thermal barrier and seals placed at the hinge and interface Thermal barrier and seals placed at the hinge and interface
regions of the tailregions of the tail
Split rudder configuration allows left and right Split rudder configuration allows left and right deflection for yaw controldeflection for yaw control Separates vertically for added drag to reduce speed - the Separates vertically for added drag to reduce speed - the
speed brake speed brake Also used for additional pitch control during the energy Also used for additional pitch control during the energy
management phase and approach for landingmanagement phase and approach for landing
Orbiter Structures – Vertical TailOrbiter Structures – Vertical Tail
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
OMS/RCS system podsOMS/RCS system pods
Two aerodynamic pods are placed on the Orbiters Two aerodynamic pods are placed on the Orbiters outboard aft fuselage to house the two OMS and outboard aft fuselage to house the two OMS and smaller RCS enginessmaller RCS engines
Pods are constructed primarily of graphite epoxy Pods are constructed primarily of graphite epoxy composite honeycomb skin sectionscomposite honeycomb skin sections Aluminum alloy frames, braces and ribsAluminum alloy frames, braces and ribs
Titanium and corrosion-resistant steel fittings used Titanium and corrosion-resistant steel fittings used near the engines as stiffenersnear the engines as stiffeners
Orbiter Structures – OMS PodsOrbiter Structures – OMS Pods
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
OMS/RCS system podsOMS/RCS system pods
Each OMS pod is independent and removable for Each OMS pod is independent and removable for maintenance operationsmaintenance operations
Low-Temperature Reusable Surface Insulation tiles Low-Temperature Reusable Surface Insulation tiles cover most of the exposed surface of the OMS/RCS cover most of the exposed surface of the OMS/RCS podspods
Thermal barriers surround the OMS and RCS engines Thermal barriers surround the OMS and RCS engines to protect the aft fuselage equipmentto protect the aft fuselage equipment
Orbiter Structures – OMS PodsOrbiter Structures – OMS Pods
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Body flapBody flap
Body flap is an aerosurface that furnishes Body flap is an aerosurface that furnishes additional pitch control for the Orbiter's flight additional pitch control for the Orbiter's flight through the atmospherethrough the atmosphere
Also used for load reduction during the Also used for load reduction during the Orbiter's ascent to orbitOrbiter's ascent to orbit
Also deflects hot airflow from entering the Also deflects hot airflow from entering the Space Shuttle Main Engines during reentrySpace Shuttle Main Engines during reentry
Orbiter Structures – Body FlapOrbiter Structures – Body Flap
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Body flapBody flap
Constructed of aluminum alloy skin and stringer Constructed of aluminum alloy skin and stringer panels, ribs, and sparspanels, ribs, and spars
Powered by four hydraulic rotary actuators within the Powered by four hydraulic rotary actuators within the lower aft fuselagelower aft fuselage
Entire surface covered with reusable insulation tiles, Entire surface covered with reusable insulation tiles, with heat seals and barriers used for protection of with heat seals and barriers used for protection of the joints and moving surfacesthe joints and moving surfaces
Orbiter Structures – Aero SurfacesOrbiter Structures – Aero Surfaces
Orbiter Structures – Aero SurfacesOrbiter Structures – Aero Surfaces
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Mechanical SystemsMechanical Systems
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Purge, Vent & Drain System (PVDS)Purge, Vent & Drain System (PVDS)
PVDS is designed to accommodate the pressure changes, and PVDS is designed to accommodate the pressure changes, and the buildup of hazardous gases and fluids during normal flight the buildup of hazardous gases and fluids during normal flight operationsoperations
An array of purge, dilution, vent (passive and active) and drain An array of purge, dilution, vent (passive and active) and drain mechanisms are built into many of the Orbiter's pressurized mechanisms are built into many of the Orbiter's pressurized sections to moderate pressure changes, and evacuate, or sections to moderate pressure changes, and evacuate, or dilute, accumulated gases and fluidsdilute, accumulated gases and fluids
In addition, a number of components (SSME e.g.) require an In addition, a number of components (SSME e.g.) require an inert gas purge to remove propellants or hazardous inert gas purge to remove propellants or hazardous gases/liquidsgases/liquids Pressurized nitrogen and helium gas purge subsystems supply the Pressurized nitrogen and helium gas purge subsystems supply the
gas flow for fluid and gas removal to spacegas flow for fluid and gas removal to space Air is also used for post-landing pressure equilibration in several Air is also used for post-landing pressure equilibration in several
sections of the Orbitersections of the Orbiter
Orbiter Structures – Aero SurfacesOrbiter Structures – Aero Surfaces
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
AirlockAirlock
Airlock module allows crew access to:Airlock module allows crew access to: Payload bay for extravehicular activityPayload bay for extravehicular activity
Pressurized transfer tunnel to onboard Pressurized transfer tunnel to onboard facilities such as the Space Lab facilities such as the Space Lab module (no longer used)module (no longer used)
ISS access docking portISS access docking port
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
AirlockAirlock
Airlock interior is 170 cubic feet (4.81 mAirlock interior is 170 cubic feet (4.81 m33) in volume) in volume
Includes accommodations for two fully-suited Includes accommodations for two fully-suited astronautsastronauts Oxygen supplyOxygen supply Air revitalizationAir revitalization WaterWater Electrical powerElectrical power CommunicationsCommunications LightingLighting
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
AirlockAirlock
Structure includes two hatches – one on the Orbiter Structure includes two hatches – one on the Orbiter interior and the second in the payload bayinterior and the second in the payload bay
Hatches have pressure locks and seals for airlock Hatches have pressure locks and seals for airlock access through each hatch in both directionsaccess through each hatch in both directions
Airlock pressurization for EVA is controlled by an Airlock pressurization for EVA is controlled by an automated system to allow a low-pressure pure automated system to allow a low-pressure pure oxygen environment to prepare astronauts for EVAoxygen environment to prepare astronauts for EVA
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
AirlockAirlock
The Orbiter's Airlock Module can also be The Orbiter's Airlock Module can also be used as a hypobaric chamber in case of a used as a hypobaric chamber in case of a depressurization accident and/or depressurization accident and/or decompression sicknessdecompression sickness
The Orbiter's airlock is located either in the The Orbiter's airlock is located either in the mid deck within the crew compartment, or in mid deck within the crew compartment, or in the payload bay if sufficient room is availablethe payload bay if sufficient room is available
Orbiter Structures – AirlockOrbiter Structures – Airlock
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
WindowsWindows Orbiter contains as many as 13 Orbiter contains as many as 13
window setswindow sets Located in the forward and aft flight Located in the forward and aft flight
decks (10)decks (10) One in the crew side access hatchOne in the crew side access hatch Two in the airlockTwo in the airlock
Each window set except the payload Each window set except the payload bay observation windows is bay observation windows is comprised of three panescomprised of three panes Provide pressure containment, light Provide pressure containment, light
transmission properties, and physical transmission properties, and physical strengthstrength
Outer pane is manufactured for high-Outer pane is manufactured for high-temperature resistancetemperature resistance
Two inner panes attached to the crew Two inner panes attached to the crew cabin are manufactured for high cabin are manufactured for high differential pressure resistancedifferential pressure resistance
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
WindowsWindows
Observation windows are polished surface, optical Observation windows are polished surface, optical quality glassquality glass Composed of aluminosilicate (inner and outer panes), and Composed of aluminosilicate (inner and outer panes), and
fused silica (middle)fused silica (middle)
Coatings are used on the surfaces to reduce Coatings are used on the surfaces to reduce reflectivity and IR heat inflow (inner pane) and to reflectivity and IR heat inflow (inner pane) and to maximize visible light transmission (inner and outer maximize visible light transmission (inner and outer panes)panes)
Window shades and filters are provided to reduce Window shades and filters are provided to reduce unnecessary heat and light exposureunnecessary heat and light exposure Shades are provided for all windowsShades are provided for all windows Filters are supplied for the aft and overhead viewing windowsFilters are supplied for the aft and overhead viewing windows
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures – Windows – Windows
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Landing GearLanding Gear
Orbiter's landing gear system closely resembles a Orbiter's landing gear system closely resembles a conventional aircraft tricycle gear configurationconventional aircraft tricycle gear configuration
Employs a nose gear and two main gearEmploys a nose gear and two main gear
Each landing gear mechanisms includes an Each landing gear mechanisms includes an extension assembly with a shock strutextension assembly with a shock strut
Orbiter Orbiter StructuresStructures – Landing Gear – Landing Gear
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Landing GearLanding Gear
Each gear includes a dual-wheel and tire assembly Each gear includes a dual-wheel and tire assembly that is attached to high-performance brakes with that is attached to high-performance brakes with anti-skid controlanti-skid control
Braking on the rear landing gear and steering on the Braking on the rear landing gear and steering on the nose gear is operated with triple-redundant nose gear is operated with triple-redundant hydraulic system controlshydraulic system controls
The nose landing gear is located in the lower The nose landing gear is located in the lower forward fuselage which is retracted forward and up forward fuselage which is retracted forward and up into the lower forward fuselageinto the lower forward fuselage
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Landing GearLanding Gear
Gear mechanism is enclosed by two insulated, heat Gear mechanism is enclosed by two insulated, heat seal doors that are covered on the outside with HRSI seal doors that are covered on the outside with HRSI insulation tilesinsulation tiles
Deployment of the Orbiter's landing gear in flight is Deployment of the Orbiter's landing gear in flight is controlled by the hydraulic system under pilot controlled by the hydraulic system under pilot commandcommand
Emergency release of the gear is provided by Emergency release of the gear is provided by pyrotechnic actuators that release a mechanical lock pyrotechnic actuators that release a mechanical lock for each gear that can be activated one second after for each gear that can be activated one second after the pilot command is initiatedthe pilot command is initiated
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Landing GearLanding Gear
The nose and main landing The nose and main landing gear can be retracted only gear can be retracted only during ground operationsduring ground operations
Modifications and Modifications and improvements include improvements include Stiffening the gear structureStiffening the gear structure Increasing the axle thickness Increasing the axle thickness
to reduce tire damageto reduce tire damage Larger carbon disk brakes Larger carbon disk brakes
and improved 34-ply rating and improved 34-ply rating (16 cord) tires(16 cord) tires
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS)Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS)
Space Shuttle payload deployment and retrieval system Space Shuttle payload deployment and retrieval system (aka Canadarm-1) has the capability to transfer (aka Canadarm-1) has the capability to transfer payloads from the Orbiter's cargo bay to free-flight, or payloads from the Orbiter's cargo bay to free-flight, or to grasp and transfer payloads from free-flight and to grasp and transfer payloads from free-flight and return them to the cargo bay for repairs or return to the return them to the cargo bay for repairs or return to the Earth, or to maneuver astronauts for ISS assemblyEarth, or to maneuver astronauts for ISS assembly
More recently, the SRMS has been outfitted with a 50’ More recently, the SRMS has been outfitted with a 50’ boom extension as an imaging platformboom extension as an imaging platform
Mounted on the port-side payload bay longeron Mounted on the port-side payload bay longeron opposite the Ku-band radar unitopposite the Ku-band radar unit
Orbiter Structures - SRMSOrbiter Structures - SRMS
Orbiter StructuresOrbiter Structures
Shuttle Remote Manipulator System Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (SRMS)(SRMS)
Can be deployed only while the payload bay doors Can be deployed only while the payload bay doors are extendedare extended
Can be jettisoned with pyro charges in case of Can be jettisoned with pyro charges in case of malfunction or jammingmalfunction or jamming
Controls for the unit are located in the aft flight deck, Controls for the unit are located in the aft flight deck, giving the operator command over the arm and its giving the operator command over the arm and its functionsfunctions
Orbiter Structures - SRMSOrbiter Structures - SRMS
ResourcesResources
NSTS National Space Transportation System Press Kit, NASA, NSTS National Space Transportation System Press Kit, NASA, 19881988
Space Shuttle Operations and Technology, Lance Erickson, Space Shuttle Operations and Technology, Lance Erickson, Linus Publications, 2007Linus Publications, 2007
SP-407 NASA SP-407, Space Shuttle, Lyndon B. Johnson SP-407 NASA SP-407, Space Shuttle, Lyndon B. Johnson
Space Center, 1976Space Center, 1976