Space Shuttle Explorer

Encyclopedia : S : SP : SPA : Space Shuttle Explorer

Space Shuttles
US Space Shuttle program Enterprise (atmospheric tests) Pathfinder (ground facilities tests) Columbia (destroyed 2003) Challenger (destroyed 1986) Discovery (active) Atlantis (active) Endeavour (grounded for maintenance) Explorer (replica for museum display)
Soviet Shuttle Buran program Buran (retired, damaged) Ptichka (completed, unused) 2.01 (unfinished) 2.02 (dismantled) 2.03 (dismantled)

Space Shuttle Explorer is a full-scale replica of an OV-100 series Space Shuttle. The Explorer includes replicas of the interior spaces. It is located at Kennedy Space Center, and accessible by tourists.

Explorer is displayed alongside a gantry-style tower (which includes an elevator for accessibility) and visitors may view a mock-up payload, a dummy wearing an early model of the orange launch/entry pressure suit worn by shuttle astronauts, and a mock-up cockpit with controls and instruments. There is a replica external tank mated to two solid rocket boosters adjacent to Explorer as well.

Internal details of the mock-up are not remarkably accurate, though the size and scope of the payload bay is correct.

Externally, the mock-up features simulated thermal protection system tiles (bearing numbers, as the genuine flight articles do), paneling that looks like reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC) panels on the leading edges of the wings, and Michelin tires on the landing gear. Handling points are also shown, but the external detailing does not extend to the inclusion of thermal blankets.

Another view of Explorer, highlighting simulated TPS tiles.

Explorer is mounted atop cement pilings and secured with steel cabling. Aside from entry through the mock-gantry, no other points of entry are available.

From Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Original article here. Support Wikipedia by contributing or donating.
All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License See Wikipedia Copyrights for details.