Quote from: Lurker Steve on 03/16/2011 01:10 pmI know they want to replace the SSME's with just some replica end-cones, so they can re-use the engines for SDLV development, but I would rather have at least 1 SSME end up in a display right next to the shuttle. They have one right beside the Enterprise now.
I know they want to replace the SSME's with just some replica end-cones, so they can re-use the engines for SDLV development, but I would rather have at least 1 SSME end up in a display right next to the shuttle.
I like the walkway idea. Udvar-Hazy already has a walkway around the borders of the room Enterprise is in, so they could just add to that network in the center of the room.
Quote from: Jason1701 on 03/16/2011 06:45 pmI like the walkway idea. Udvar-Hazy already has a walkway around the borders of the room Enterprise is in, so they could just add to that network in the center of the room.Actually, there isn't. There's one stairway and viewing platform just off of Enterprise's right wing, but no walkway around the room like there is in the main hanger area.
It's not like the spiral staircase(s) in the other room(s), but part of the second level walkway does provide an elevated view of the right side of the vehicle from the front (first pic; view somewhat obstructed when these were taken last year).
Quote from: MarsMethanogen on 03/16/2011 12:43 pmQuote from: chksix on 03/16/2011 07:27 amIf they decide on displaying her in a "dynamic" pose I'd vote for hanging her inverted (at a slight angle) from the ET attach points with open PBD's, some payloads in the bay and a simulated EVA by a suspended EMU to show scale. The SRM and OBSS could be outstretched showing how it scanned the chin area for example.The gangways could pass close to the vehicle but not allow touching.Showing her in a OPF style of display would be less impressive IMO.I may be totally out to lunch here, but I don't think that's practicable from an engineering standpoint. In a 1G environment, if the PBD's are open, aren't the strongbacks required? And since the OBSS and SRMS are not meant to be operated (or out of their mounting positions) in a 1G environment, wouldn't some additional bracing be required to have them extended in a mock operational position? And I would think that this would visibly detract from the effort to depict them in an "operational" position.I was thinking of having them braced and supported since they can't move under 1 g. The braces have to be accepted. Might be enough to use thin wires from the ceiling. The PBD strongbacks will be hidden and can withstand the force of the straps used.Also, I hope they won't cut holes in the orbiter for public access.
Quote from: chksix on 03/16/2011 07:27 amIf they decide on displaying her in a "dynamic" pose I'd vote for hanging her inverted (at a slight angle) from the ET attach points with open PBD's, some payloads in the bay and a simulated EVA by a suspended EMU to show scale. The SRM and OBSS could be outstretched showing how it scanned the chin area for example.The gangways could pass close to the vehicle but not allow touching.Showing her in a OPF style of display would be less impressive IMO.I may be totally out to lunch here, but I don't think that's practicable from an engineering standpoint. In a 1G environment, if the PBD's are open, aren't the strongbacks required? And since the OBSS and SRMS are not meant to be operated (or out of their mounting positions) in a 1G environment, wouldn't some additional bracing be required to have them extended in a mock operational position? And I would think that this would visibly detract from the effort to depict them in an "operational" position.
If they decide on displaying her in a "dynamic" pose I'd vote for hanging her inverted (at a slight angle) from the ET attach points with open PBD's, some payloads in the bay and a simulated EVA by a suspended EMU to show scale. The SRM and OBSS could be outstretched showing how it scanned the chin area for example.The gangways could pass close to the vehicle but not allow touching.Showing her in a OPF style of display would be less impressive IMO.
Quote from: chksix on 03/16/2011 03:16 pmQuote from: MarsMethanogen on 03/16/2011 12:43 pmQuote from: chksix on 03/16/2011 07:27 amIf they decide on displaying her in a "dynamic" pose I'd vote for hanging her inverted (at a slight angle) from the ET attach points with open PBD's, some payloads in the bay and a simulated EVA by a suspended EMU to show scale. The SRM and OBSS could be outstretched showing how it scanned the chin area for example.The gangways could pass close to the vehicle but not allow touching.Showing her in a OPF style of display would be less impressive IMO.I may be totally out to lunch here, but I don't think that's practicable from an engineering standpoint. In a 1G environment, if the PBD's are open, aren't the strongbacks required? And since the OBSS and SRMS are not meant to be operated (or out of their mounting positions) in a 1G environment, wouldn't some additional bracing be required to have them extended in a mock operational position? And I would think that this would visibly detract from the effort to depict them in an "operational" position.I was thinking of having them braced and supported since they can't move under 1 g. The braces have to be accepted. Might be enough to use thin wires from the ceiling. The PBD strongbacks will be hidden and can withstand the force of the straps used.Also, I hope they won't cut holes in the orbiter for public access.The Smithsonian's plan (as far as we all know) is to display Discovery like Enterprise is displayed: on her wheels with the payload bay doors closed.The Kennedy Space Center visitor complex has a very bold plan to display an orbiter in a dynamic configuration as if she were in space.http://media.kennedyspacecenter.com/kennedy/orbitermasterplan.htm
I heard one of the orbiters might be in Chicago. That would be awesome.
Quote from: MarkD on 03/18/2011 02:21 pmI heard one of the orbiters might be in Chicago. That would be awesome. Honestly, at one point or another, I have heard they "might be" at just about every point on the map.
I grabbed a floor plan from the Udvar-Hazy website and did some really rough photoshop work. Here is the before and after. I haven't event tried to consider where supports would go.
Crews in Orbiter Processing Facility-2 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida remove space shuttle Discovery's right-hand inner heat shield from engine No. 1. The removal is part of Discovery's transition and retirement processing. Work performed on Discovery is expected to help rocket designers build next-generation spacecraft and prepare the shuttle for future public display.Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
amazing shot
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/search.cfm?cat=4