Revenki's photos with the keyword: Constellation

New MLP

11 Aug 2009 60
Construction of the new mobile launch platform and launch umbilical tower for Constellation/Ares-I, next to OPF-3 at the VAB.

Ares-1X

11 Aug 2009 72
The upper stage simulator and spacecraft/LAS simulator for the upcoming Ares-1X test flight. Both components are dummy units, and won't actually perform during the test.

Ares-1X

11 Aug 2009 104
The dummy spacecraft for the upcoming Ares-1X test flight. Note the boost protective cover (nosecone) on the front of the capsule no longer looks anything like this on the real vehicle, due to subsequent configuration changes.

Meatball

10 Aug 2009 84
NASA logo and American flag on the side of the VAB.

Modifications

10 Aug 2009 116
LC-39A undergoing modifications for use with Ares-I. Assuming Ares-I doesn't get cancelled first.

Modifications

10 Aug 2009 110
LC-39B undergoing modifications for Constellation use. Note that the top of the Shuttle fixed service structure and the oxygen vent arm appear to have been removed, along with (I think) the white room arm.

Mobile Launch Platform

10 Aug 2009 146
I think this is MLP-3, which should be getting moved into the VAB in the next few weeks to begin stack operations for Atlantis' next flight. The MLP is parked in the maintenance area behind the VAB and OPFs, next to the brand new MLP being constructed for Constellation's Ares-I rocket. The two mailbox-like bumps on the top are the tail service masts, through which the propellant lines and various electrical connections are mated to the back end of the Orbiter until takeoff. Each contains a large plate loaded with fluid and electrical quick disconnects, which at liftoff is released from the Orbiter and retracted into the mast at high velocity and with great force, at which point a heavy door slams shut behind the plate to protect it from the Shuttle's plume. It's not apparent from this picture just how large the masts are, or how big the plates are, or just how impressive that operation really is. IIRC, the building in the background on the right is the Saturn V Center.

Ares-I MLP

10 Aug 2009 152
The brand-new mobile launch platform being built for the (probably doomed) Ares-I launch vehicle, which the Constellation program will use to send the Orion spacecraft into orbit (assuming Ares doesn't get cancelled). Note the truss segments to the left - these are parts of the launch umbilical tower which will be built atop the platform. Like Apollo and unilike Shuttle, Ares-I will carry its service tower on the launch platform with it, instead of it being built into the pad. Behind the truss segments to the left are the tail service masts from a Shuttle MLP.

Lightning Tower

10 Aug 2009 121
One of the new masts at LC-39B, which has recently started conversion for the upcoming Ares-IX test flight and later Constellation use.

Modifications

10 Aug 2009 126
LC-39B undergoing modifications for Constellation use. Note that the top of the Shuttle fixed service structure and the oxygen vent arm appear to have been removed, along with (I think) the white room arm.

Modifications

10 Aug 2009 97
LC-39B undergoing modifications for Constellation use. Note that the top of the Shuttle fixed service structure and the oxygen vent arm appear to have been removed, along with (I think) the white room arm.

Modifications

10 Aug 2009 124
LC-39B undergoing modifications for Constellation use. Note that the top of the Shuttle fixed service structure and the oxygen vent arm appear to have been removed, along with (I think) the white room arm.

Vehicle Assembly Building

10 Aug 2009 91
Fresh as new, thanks to extensive post-hurricane repairs to the skin of the building. From outside it really does look like a brand-new building, while from the inside...well, not so much, but surprisingly not as old as it is.

ARES-I

07 Sep 2009 89
Fail. (Inside joke.)