SpaceNut Mar 13 Juin 2006 - 16:21
Et encore ça !
The high bay is divided into four separate bays. The two on the west side of the structure-Bays 2 and 4-are used for storing space shuttle orbiter external tanks. The two bays facing east-Bays 1 and 3-are used for the vertical assembly of space shuttle vehicles on the mobile launcher platform.
Extendable platforms, modified to fit the space shuttle configuration, move in around the vehicle to provide access for integration and final testing. When checkout is complete, the platforms move back, and the VAB doors are opened to permit the crawler-transporter to move the mobile launcher platform and assembled space shuttle vehicle to the launch pad. The high bay door is 456 feet high. It is divided into lower and upper sections. The lower door is 152 feet wide and 114 feet high with four door leaves that move horizontally. The upper door is 342 feet high and 76 feet wide with seven door leaves that move vertically.
The low bay was the initial site for refurbishment and subassembly of solid rocket booster segments. These activities now occur at a new facility north of the VAB.
Existing pneumatic, environmental control, light and water systems have been modified in both bays. The north doors to the VAB transfer aisle have also been widened 40 feet to permit the orbiter to enter when it is towed over from the Orbiter Processing Facility. The doors are slotted at the center to accommodate the orbiter's vertical stabilizer.
The Vehicle Assembly Building has more than 70 lifting devices, including two 250-ton bridge cranes.
The VAB is designed to withstand winds of up to 125 miles per hour. Its foundation rests on more than 4,200 open- end steel pilings 16 inches in diameter driven down 160 feet to bedrock.