Chapter 10.5: Rollout to the Future
Chapter 10.5: Rollout to the Future
September 17, 1976
Palmdale, California
Rollout of Space Shuttle Enterprise
The hangar doors opened as a crowd of politicians and members of the media await the next generation of spacecraft to be unveiled. September 17, 1976
Palmdale, California
Rollout of Space Shuttle Enterprise
A towing vehicle decked in patriotic red, white and blue first came into view and then, a pitot, a needle like structure that limits aircraft to slow speeds. An aircraft nose loomed into view, this was no ordinary spacecraft. Slowly, each part of the spacecraft would be shown, the crew compartment, the cargo bay and wings, the tail and finally, two small engines on the rear of the vehicle. The next generation was set to be a unique and special kind of spacecraft and it all started here, with this brick like craft dubbed, Enterprise.
From 1974 to 1976, NASA and North American Rockwell started construction of the Space Shuttle with Enterprise being the first to be constructed. The test article would be designated as OV-101, the first in it's class. Originally, it was planned for the vehicle to be named Constitution but fans of the TV show Star Trek asked president RFK to change the name to the USS Enterprise to which he obliged. Although, there were still some people who wanted the name Constitution but, there's no telling on if it will happen. [1]
Enterprise rolled out of the Rockwell plant on September 17, 1976. With the recognition of it's fictional name the creator of Star Trek, Gene Roddenberry and most of the principal cast would show up to the rollout. The next era was in full swing.
Gene Roddenberry and the Star Trek cast (Minus Shatner) attending the rollout ceremony, September 17, 1976 [2]
Ever since the mid 1960s, Launch Complex 39 at the Kennedy Space Center always had two main launch pads, 39A and 39B. These two launchpads did their job well but, these two were supposed to be a part of a trio of launchpads for LC-39. When originally conceived, 39 would've had 3 launchpads from A, B and C with D proposed for future expansion. Unfortunately, LC-39C was never constructed and it seemed that Launch Complex 39 would be left with two of what was supposed to be four.
However, with the increased budget (2.4% of the Federal Budget), frequent missions to the moon and a new launch vehicle that was planned to launch almost monthly, a new pad would be necessary for the crowded KSC. So on July 10, 1974, NASA was given approval for the construction of LC-39C and the option of future expansion if needed. Construction would begin on August 18, 1976 and would be completed at least by early 1979.
Another part of LC-39, the launch tower would also need some needed upgrades. As the Shuttle is significantly shorter than the Saturn V, it would need it's own crew access arm and so, it was decided that two new arms would be added to the Launch Umbilical Tower, the Shuttle main access arm and the GOX vent arm. MLP 3 would be the first to have these arms installed in October, 1976 with MLP 2 and 1 planned for installation in April 1977 and May 1978 respectively. America's Moonport is expanding.
Construction of LC-39C, Mid 1977 [3]
End of Chapter 10.5