Author Topic: SpaceX use of the SPIF (Spacecraft Processing and Integration Facility) (Read 78921 times)

Jim · « **on:** 04/19/2014 08:57 pm »

Thought I would start a thread on this. I will provide info I have on the SPIF from the past, in addition to photos.

Looks like they are processing the Dragon in one of the integration cells.

Edit/Lar: The SPIF is attached to the SMAB

Satellite Processing and Integration Facility
Solid Motor Assembly Building

Jim · « **Reply #1 on:** 04/19/2014 08:59 pm »

Here is a integration cell being used for STS-44, DSP on an IUS

Jim · « **Reply #2 on:** 04/19/2014 09:00 pm »

Here is the SMAB, the SPIF is located in the west side.

Coastal Ron · « **Reply #3 on:** 04/19/2014 09:13 pm »

Quote from: Jim on 04/19/2014 09:00 pm

Here is the SMAB, the SPIF is located in the west side.

And the acronyms mean...?

Also, if you could say why this is significant for those of us that are unfamiliar with this.

docmordrid · « **Reply #4 on:** 04/19/2014 09:19 pm »

Shuttle/POCC Interface Facility?

Spacecraft Planetary Imaging Facility?

Chris Bergin · « **Reply #5 on:** 04/19/2014 09:20 pm »

Yeah, if you could add that to the opening post, Jim - that would be helpful.

mikes · « **Reply #6 on:** 04/19/2014 09:31 pm »

Satellite Processing and Integration Facility
Solid Motor Assembly Building

wkann · « **Reply #7 on:** 04/19/2014 09:33 pm »

SpaceX had to get a good deal on using the SPIF. I cant see them using it otherwise. Compared to how they processed Dragon before in the hanger at SLC-40, there seems to be way more infrastructure in the SPIF than they need -which would just cost more to maintain.

Coastal Ron · « **Reply #8 on:** 04/19/2014 09:43 pm »

Quote from: wkann on 04/19/2014 09:33 pm

SpaceX had to get a good deal on using the SPIF. I cant see them using it otherwise. Compared to how they processed Dragon before in the hanger at SLC-40, there seems to be way more infrastructure in the SPIF than they need -which would just cost more to maintain.

Ah, so SpaceX is using the SPIF for processing Dragon, which let's them focus their building next to SLC-40 for just Falcon related activities. Which means they have to transport the Dragon back over to SLC-40 somehow - on a flatbed?

jabe · « **Reply #9 on:** 04/19/2014 09:43 pm »

Jim
thanks for the follow up posts ..saves me from doing the research. Learning stuff every day on here!!
How long would it take to process the dragon there? Was surprised how close it was to slc-40
jb

Roy_H · « **Reply #10 on:** 04/19/2014 09:57 pm »

I have to look up these acronyms too. My best guess:

SPIF Shuttle/POCC Interface Facility
POCC Payload Operations Control Center

SPIF Spacecraft Processing and Integration Facility (as per Jim later)

SMAB Solid Motor Assembly Building

DSP Deep Space Probe
IUS Intermediate Upper Stage (and that leads to what other types of upper stages?)

Ahh, I see I am corrected below.
DSP Defense Support Satellite
IUS Inertial Upper Stage

A12 · « **Reply #11 on:** 04/19/2014 10:08 pm »

DSP Defense Support Satellite, IUS Inertial Upper Stage

Roy_H · « **Reply #12 on:** 04/19/2014 10:11 pm »

Quote from: jabe on 04/19/2014 09:43 pm

Jim
thanks for the follow up posts ..saves me from doing the research. Learning stuff every day on here!!
How long would it take to process the dragon there? Was surprised how close it was to slc-40
jb

Could you provide a map?

wkann · « **Reply #13 on:** 04/19/2014 10:18 pm »

Quote from: Coastal Ron on 04/19/2014 09:43 pm

Ah, so SpaceX is using the SPIF for processing Dragon, which let's them focus their building next to SLC-40 for just Falcon related activities.

I thought they did some satellite processing at SLC-40. Maybe they will move all spacecraft processing to the Satellite Processing and Integration Facility now.

Quote from: Coastal Ron on 04/19/2014 09:43 pm

Which means they have to transport the Dragon back over to SLC-40 somehow - on a flatbed?

I'm guessing they used a KAMAG to move Dragon since they have already used it with SES.

ugordan · « **Reply #14 on:** 04/19/2014 10:20 pm »

Quote from: Roy_H on 04/19/2014 10:11 pm

Quote from: jabe on 04/19/2014 09:43 pm
Jim
thanks for the follow up posts ..saves me from doing the research. Learning stuff every day on here!!
How long would it take to process the dragon there? Was surprised how close it was to slc-40
jb

Could you provide a map?

https://maps.google.com/?ll=28.543317,-80.590824&spn=0.002302,0.004128&t=h&z=19

edkyle99 · « **Reply #15 on:** 04/19/2014 10:24 pm »

Dragon and its trunk appear to be mated in the SPIF image. Are they subsequently transported in this mated configuration to SLC 40? Vertical or horizontal during transport?

- Ed Kyle

Lars_J · « **Reply #16 on:** 04/19/2014 10:50 pm »

Quote from: edkyle99 on 04/19/2014 10:24 pm

Dragon and its trunk appear to be mated in the SPIF image. Are they subsequently transported in this mated configuration to SLC 40? Vertical or horizontal during transport?

- Ed Kyle

Presumably it is transported vertical. The SpaceX caption to the image below is "Dragon is rotated to be mated with Falcon 9", and it seems to match images from previous Dragon/Falcon matings. Dragon does not appear to go horizontal until it is rotated with the special crane rig and mated with F9.

Roy_H · « **Reply #17 on:** 04/19/2014 11:39 pm »

Quote from: ugordan on 04/19/2014 10:20 pm

Quote from: Roy_H on 04/19/2014 10:11 pm
Quote from: jabe on 04/19/2014 09:43 pm
Jim
thanks for the follow up posts ..saves me from doing the research. Learning stuff every day on here!!
How long would it take to process the dragon there? Was surprised how close it was to slc-40
jb

Could you provide a map?

https://maps.google.com/?ll=28.543317,-80.590824&spn=0.002302,0.004128&t=h&z=19

Thanks

go4mars · « **Reply #18 on:** 04/19/2014 11:46 pm »

Quote from: Lars_J on 04/19/2014 10:50 pm

images from previous Dragon/Falcon matings.

Yes, dragons still mate with falcons horizontally. Makes a loud mix of soprano and baritone.

llanitedave · « **Reply #19 on:** 04/20/2014 04:48 am »

Quote from: mikes on 04/19/2014 09:31 pm

Satellite Processing and Integration Facility
Solid Motor Assembly Building

Thanks. The only downside to this otherwise wonderful site is all the uncontrolled acronym impacts.