Launch Complex 39 Q&A

[padrat]

On the actual MLP itself, LH2 Side 4 the transfer (white) line is about 10in diameter. the vent (grey) line is 12in if I remember correctly. On the LOX (side 2) side, i believe the transfer line is 8, the vent is 10

[JayP]

On the actual MLP itself, LH2 Side 4 the transfer (white) line is about 10in diameter. the vent (grey) line is 12in if I remember correctly. On the LOX (side 2) side, i believe the transfer line is 8, the vent is 10

Padrat,

 Those lines are all vacume jacketed, right? Or at least pyrolite insulated? do those numbers reflect the nominal pipe diameters or the exterior dimensions of outer jackets?

[padrat]

The white/transfer lines are vac jacketed plus the inner line is wrapped with mylar. For those lines I was referring to the outer diameter. Not sure about LOX but for us the inner line was 8in.

[roma847]

On the actual MLP itself, LH2 Side 4 the transfer (white) line is about 10in diameter. the vent (grey) line is 12in if I remember correctly. On the LOX (side 2) side, i believe the transfer line is 8, the vent is 10

Padrat,

thanks for your information and the great photos, I am pleased that you announced yourself. I found in the meantime some informations about the MLP LOX/LH2 pipes and also diameters in the STS-111 FLIGHT READINESS REVIEW.

Afterwards it is to concern double-walled pipes with the diameters of the H2 Vent Line: 14'' x 16'' on Side 4 and 10'' x 12'' on Side 1 to Valve Skid (Presenter: Brad McCain)

For my MLP build I only need the outside diameters. If I convert the diameters from your 2nd photo, I come on 15'' for the transfer line (white) and 17'' for the vent line (grey) on Side 1 right beside the LH2 Valve Skid.

What do you think of my method? So I could determine myself also the diameters of the lines on Side 2 and to the left of the LOX Valve Skid.

Thanks
Manfred
 

[roma847]

Hi guys,

does anyone know whether the MLP fuel pipes on Side 2 and 4 are welded with the Pipe anchors beside the Expansion joints, or the only additional supports?

Thanks
Manfred

[DaveS]

On top of the RSS FRCS Room there's a triangular tower with what appears to be lights on each side. According to my research the lights are beacons.

My question is what kind of beacons are they and what cases are they used?

[padrat]

The beacons are emergency strobes for when there is an evacuation.

[roma847]

Is there really nobody, who can answer my question whether the fuel pipes on MLP Side 2 and 4 are welded with the Pipe anchors beside the Expansion joints, or only additional supports?

Thanks
Manfred

[DaveS]

The beacons are emergency strobes for when there is an evacuation.

Only for emergency evacs or pad clears as well?

[padrat]

As far as I know just evacs. Basically whenever the warblers go off. There is also a few red strobes in the field around the pad for the same purpose.

[MrEarl]

Has there ever been any studies on the possibility of replacing the crawlers with rail transport?

[baldusi]

Is there some book about the decision to stack the Shuttle with the SRB East-West instead of North-South? I still don't quite understand it (may be VAB's door width limitation).

[DaveS]

Is there some book about the decision to stack the Shuttle with the SRB East-West instead of North-South? I still don't quite understand it (may be VAB's door width limitation).

The problem with that is the work platforms in the integration cells. Also the orbiter would not fit in that orientation.

[baldusi]

Is there some book about the decision to stack the Shuttle with the SRB East-West instead of North-South? I still don't quite understand it (may be VAB's door width limitation).

The problem with that is the work platforms in the integration cells. Also the orbiter would not fit in that orientation.

You mean that the Shuttle didn't fit one the VAB's side sections? I've been looking for a top view image of the shuttle processing. Or at least a bird view cutaway, to understand it.

[DaveS]

Here' a photo that shows an orbiter being moved for mating with the rest of the stack. Note that there's not much room for maneuvering the orbiter once it is in the integration cell.