The document summarizes the process for off-loading and on-loading the Space Shuttle orbiters using the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft and dual-crane method. It describes how the orbiter is mated to the SCA using a Mate/Demate Device. It then details the dual-crane off-load technique, including past uses and the upcoming campaign to move orbiters to display sites. The process involves renting large cranes, building slings to attach to the orbiter, and coordinating the movement of the orbiter and SCA.

1. Orbiter Off-Load and On-Load
Dennis R. Jenkins

2. Moving the Orbiters
• The only practical method of moving the orbiters is with the Shuttle
Carrier Aircraft (SCA), a modified Boeing 747-100
• The SCA has been used throughout the Space Shuttle Program
• Approach and Landing Tests (ALT)
• Ferry flights after landings at Edwards AFB and White Sands
• Ferry flights to/from OMDP/OMM in Palmdale, California
• Mating the 165,000-pound orbiter on top of the SCA is an involved
process
• Mating is usually accomplished using a Mate/Demate Device (MDD)
at Dryden Flight Research Center and Kennedy Space Center
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3. KSC Mate/Demate Device (MDD)
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4. Dual-Crane Offload Arrangement
• Dual-Crane technique developed for contingency landing sites
• Has been used six times prior to current display site campaign
• 1978 Redstone Arsenal – OV-101 off-load (MVGVT)
• 1978 Redstone Arsenal – OV-101 on-load
• 1982 Northrup Strip @ White Sands – OV-102 on-load
• 1983 Mobile, Alabama – OV-101 off-load (World’s Fair)
• 1983 Mobile, Alabama – OV-101 on-load
• 1985 Dulles, Virginia – OV-101 off-load (NASM)
• Will be used four times during display site campaign
• Dulles, Virginia – OV-103 off-load (complete)
• Dulles, Virginia – OV-101 on-load (complete)
• JFK, New York – OV-101 off-load (May 2012)
• LAX, California – OV-105 off-load (September 2012)
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5. Dual-Crane Offload Arrangement
300-ton
Forward Crane
600-ton
Aft Crane
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6. Wind Restraint System
• Erected at KSC Shuttle Landing Facility
• Did not full-size cranes
• Mostly to verify drawings and
procedures were correct
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7. Wind Restraint System
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8. Wind Restraint System
• Wind Restraint System
• Stabilizes Orbiter during offload
• Requires 200 holes in ramp
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9. Dual-Crane Buildup
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10. Dual-Crane Buildup
• Rented Cranes
• Approximately $1M per site
• 600-ton crane requires 50 trucks
to deliver and a week to set-up
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11. Orbiter Sling Buildup
• Orbiter Sling
• Attaches to Orbiter
• Requires both cranes
plus smaller assembly
crane
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12. Living on “The Island”
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13. Living on “The Island”
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14. Discovery (OV-103)
Off-Load at
Dulles International Airport
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15. Discovery and 905 Arrive
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16. Discovery and 905 Arrive
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17. Discovery and 905 Arrive
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18. Discovery and 905 Wait
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19. C-9 Pathfinder
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20. Photo Opportunity!
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