Space Shuttle Explorer
Encyclopedia
The Space Shuttle Explorer is a full-scale replica of a Space Shuttle
. The Explorer includes replicas of the interior spaces. It is located at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
and is 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 mannequin 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.
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.
Space Shuttle
The Space Shuttle was a manned orbital rocket and spacecraft system operated by NASA on 135 missions from 1981 to 2011. The system combined rocket launch, orbital spacecraft, and re-entry spaceplane with modular add-ons...
. The Explorer includes replicas of the interior spaces. It is located at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the visitor center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It features exhibits and displays, historic spacecraft and memorabilia, shows, two IMAX theaters, a range of bus tours of the spaceport, and the Shuttle Launch Experience, a simulated ride into...
and is accessible by tourists.
Explorer is displayed alongside a gantry-style tower (which includes an elevator
Elevator
An elevator is a type of vertical transport equipment that efficiently moves people or goods between floors of a building, vessel or other structures...
for accessibility) and visitors may view a mock-up payload, a mannequin 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
Space Shuttle external tank
A Space Shuttle External Tank is the component of the Space Shuttle launch vehicle that contains the liquid hydrogen fuel and liquid oxygen oxidizer. During lift-off and ascent it supplies the fuel and oxidizer under pressure to the three Space Shuttle Main Engines in the orbiter...
mated to two solid rocket boosters
Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster
The Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters were the pair of large solid rockets used by the United States' NASA Space Shuttle during the first two minutes of powered flight. Together they provided about 83% of liftoff thrust for the Space Shuttle. They were located on either side of the rusty or...
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
Space Shuttle thermal protection system
The Space Shuttle thermal protection system is the barrier that protects the Space Shuttle Orbiter during the searing heat of atmospheric reentry...
tiles (bearing numbers, as the genuine flight articles do), paneling that looks like reinforced carbon-carbon
Reinforced carbon-carbon
Carbon fibre-reinforced carbon is a composite material consisting of carbon fibre reinforcement in a matrix of graphite. It was developed for the nose cones of intercontinental ballistic missiles, and is most widely known as the material for the nose cone and wing leading edges of the Space Shuttle...
(RCC) panels on the leading edges of the wings, and Michelin
Michelin
Michelin is a tyre manufacturer based in Clermont-Ferrand in the Auvergne région of France. It is one of the two largest tyre manufacturers in the world along with Bridgestone. In addition to the Michelin brand, it also owns the BFGoodrich, Kleber, Riken, Kormoran and Uniroyal tyre brands...
tires on the landing gear. Handling points are also shown, but the external detailing does not extend to the inclusion of thermal blankets.
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.
See also
- Pathfinder (Space Shuttle simulator)