Author Topic: MPPF  (Read 3707 times)

Offline Jim

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MPPF
« on: 05/10/2021 12:50 pm »
The Multi Payload Processing Facility (MPPF), where Orion and ICPS are fueled, has an interesting history.  It started out as the PSTF-R (Payload Spin Test Facility-Replacement).  It was designated as the facility where Space Station Freedom (SSF) propulsion elements would be fueled and refurbished.  When SSF was changed to ISS, the MPPF just became another payload processing facility hosting shuttle and ELV payloads.  The facility was turn back over to the ISS program for GSE and flight hardware storage.  It was transitioned to the Orion program at the end of the shuttle program.

One might asked why was it called PSTF-R in the first place?  The original PSTF was on CCAFS near SLC-17 and early was known as the Delta Spin Test Facility.  It was renamed when shuttle payloads started using it.  In the late 80's, the Air Force came forward and asked for exclusive use of the facility for set period of time to which NASA agreed.   Later, the Air Force requested to have the facility turned over to them permanently* and "they" would provide funding to NASA for a replacement facility.  The "they" wasn't the just the Air Force but the NRO. 

So, Orion is currently being processed in a facility funded by the NRO.

* The Air Force/NRO didn't keep it "permanently". It was eventually turned over to the Delta II program for booster FTS installation.

Offline JH

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Re: MPPF
« Reply #1 on: 05/10/2021 01:26 pm »
Thanks for the background! Always interesting where NRO connections pop up.

Could you give a little detail on the purpose of the spin testing?

Offline Jim

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Re: MPPF
« Reply #2 on: 05/10/2021 01:48 pm »
Thanks for the background! Always interesting where NRO connections pop up.

Could you give a little detail on the purpose of the spin testing?

The solid motor third stage of the Delta was spin balanced.  And sometimes, the spacecraft was too.

Offline Rocket Rancher

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Re: MPPF
« Reply #3 on: 05/10/2021 02:10 pm »
This is Area 57 as I remember it.
And was this the facility where there was the solid motor accident in the the early sixties?

Offline Jim

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Re: MPPF
« Reply #4 on: 05/10/2021 02:39 pm »
This is Area 57 as I remember it.
And was this the facility where there was the solid motor accident in the the early sixties?

That was area 39.  The old Bomarc building at pad 4.

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