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General Discussion => Q&A Section => Topic started by: spacescribe on 06/11/2013 12:24 am

Title: Q & A VAB Low bay
Post by: spacescribe on 06/11/2013 12:24 am

I've seen many pictures of the high bays, but what about the low bays?  It's been described as an area with "maintenance and overhaul shops" and a "holding area" but would love to see some images to make it more concrete in my head.

Title: Re: Q & A VAB Low bay
Post by: Jim on 06/11/2013 12:51 am

There were test cells for the  S-II and S-IVB on either side of the transfer aisle.
Google "VAB low bay" and look at the diagrams and images.  The test cells were abandoned in place after Apollo.  The ground level just has various areas for work.  The transfer aisle would be the holding area. 

Title: Re: Q & A VAB Low bay
Post by: spacescribe on 06/11/2013 01:42 am

Quote from: Jim on 06/11/2013 12:51 am

There were test cells for the  S-II and S-IVB on either side of the transfer aisle.
Google "VAB low bay" and look at the diagrams and images.  The test cells were abandoned in place after Apollo.  The ground level just has various areas for work.  The transfer aisle would be the holding area. 

Thanks for the explanation.  Can you clarify what I'm seeing here?  I see Tower A marked with the "A", but beyond that, is that "Area K" and "Area L"?  And are there offices in those areas?

http://i539.photobucket.com/albums/ff356/wardissimo/12lowbay.jpg

Title: Re: Q & A VAB Low bay
Post by: Jim on 06/11/2013 02:10 am

Yes, I would agree. The red platforms were for gaining access to the stages (S-IVB).  The yellow frame is a stand for the stage.  There aren't offices per-say in that area (there are a few here and there, but not like the high bay towers)

http://petermcrow.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/vab-diagram.jpg

http://www.apollosaturn.com/markings/as501/501_1.gif

http://images.ksc.nasa.gov/photos/1965/medium/KSC-65C-7363.jpg

http://members.optushome.com.au/paylward/images/VAB/apollo%20platforms%20vab.jpg

The test cells have been abandoned and the ground level enclosed for shuttle support.  Work on the nose cones of the SRBs was done in this area.

http://members.optushome.com.au/paylward/images/VAB/inside%20vab.jpg

Title: Re: Q & A VAB Low bay
Post by: spacescribe on 06/11/2013 03:48 pm

Quote from: Jim on 06/11/2013 02:10 am

Yes, I would agree. The red platforms were for gaining access to the stages (S-IVB).  The yellow frame is a stand for the stage.  There aren't offices per-say in that area (there are a few here and there, but not like the high bay towers)

http://petermcrow.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/vab-diagram.jpg

http://www.apollosaturn.com/markings/as501/501_1.gif

http://images.ksc.nasa.gov/photos/1965/medium/KSC-65C-7363.jpg

http://members.optushome.com.au/paylward/images/VAB/apollo%20platforms%20vab.jpg

The test cells have been abandoned and the ground level enclosed for shuttle support.  Work on the nose cones of the SRBs was done in this area.

http://members.optushome.com.au/paylward/images/VAB/inside%20vab.jpg

It's starting to make sense.  Thanks for taking the time.