Tag: VAB
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Orbital ATK eye VAB and MLP for potential EELV-class rocket
Orbital ATK and NASA have entered into an agreement to begin negotiations over the potential use of High Bay 2 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The discussions, which also include the use of a former Shuttle Mobile Launch Platform (MLP), are being aligned towards Orbital ATK’s future possibilities involving the development of an EELV-class…
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Orbital ATK eye VAB and MLP for potential EELV-class rocket
Orbital ATK and NASA have entered into an agreement to begin negotiations over the potential use of High Bay 2 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The discussions, which also include the use of a former Shuttle Mobile Launch Platform (MLP), are being aligned towards Orbital ATK’s future possibilities involving the development of an EELV-class…
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VAB receiving fire suppression system upgrades
Kennedy Space Center’s iconic Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) is continuing its preparations to host the Space Launch System (SLS) and commercial rockets, with modifications from the ground up. The revamp includes a modernization of its inner workings, including the fire suppression system – a key safety element for the massive building. VAB Fire Suppression: Ensuring…
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Delving deeper into KSC’s transformation into a Multi-User Spaceport
The 2011 conclusion of NASA’s 30-year Space Shuttle Program posed a major challenge for the Kennedy Space Center, the historic spaceport dotted with facilities purpose-built for shuttles. Eleven months before the shuttle program ended, NASA developed post-shuttle plans for its facilities and operations. Five years later, KSC is into the final leg of its transformation.…
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Available to Rent: One VAB High Bay, three Mobile Launcher Platforms
The Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is continuing its drive to attract new commercial partners by offering the use of a High Bay inside the famous Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Also on offer – via an announcement for proposals (AFP) under KSC’s multi-user spaceport brief – are the three former Shuttle Mobile Launch Platforms (MLPs). Multi-User…
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KSC continuing its spaceport transition for the new era
It’s been over three years since the world famous Kennedy Space Center (KSC) last felt the rumble of a launch from within its grounds. However, the spaceport hasn’t fallen completely silent, as a realignment of the center’s role continues apace, ahead of the new era of commercial and government launches that may ultimately result in humans…
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VAB preparing for key role during SLS processing flow
The iconic Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the world famous Kennedy Space Center (KSC) may have fallen silent over recent years, but behind the scenes teams are working on a “roadmap of operations” for the giant building, ahead of its primary role with the integration of the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft. VAB:…
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Mobile Launcher redesign plan for SLS nears completion
Teams at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) are expected to complete a redesign plan for the giant Mobile Launcher (ML) by the end of the month. Re-purposed for the Space Launch System (SLS), companies will soon be able to bid for contracts to carry out the conversion process. SLS Mobile Launcher: The ML – designed…
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VAB integration between SLS and Orion outlined by SPIO
NASA’s Spacecraft and Payload Integration Office (SPIO) has outlined the complex process of integrating Orion on to the Space Launch System (SLS) stack during processing inside the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The integration plan will be first put into action ahead of the opening SLS mission in 2017. How To Mate Orion With SLS: The…
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Vehicle Assembly Building High Bay 3 platform removal begins for SLS
The giant High Bay 3 (HB-3) platforms – previously used during the stacking and mating of Space Shuttle hardware – are being dismantled and removed from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). The giant facility at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is being transitioned from Shuttle operations to accommodate the Space Launch System (SLS). VAB High…