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OpticaLLightspeed — Mobile Launch Platform 1
Published: 2009-04-11 00:29:57 +0000 UTC; Views: 1378; Favourites: 32; Downloads: 0
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Description
Mobile Launch Platform #1 has a storied career going all the way back to the first Apollo/Saturn V test flights in the mid-60's through STS-119 which was launched on March 15, 2009.On March 25, MLP #1 was relocated from Launch Pad 39A after supporting the STS-119 Launch to Launch Pad 39B (Ares Pad) during a turn-over ceremony from the Shuttle Program to the Ares-1X Flight Test mission.
MLP #1 will support the first flight of the Ares-1X now scheduled for July of this year and upon completion of that support, MLP #1 will then be permenantly retired from launch service.
Construction is currently under way on a new Mobile Launch Platform built specifically to support the up-coming Ares-Test articles/Orion man vehicles of the constellation Program.
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Comments: 26
Thank you!
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Back in the 80's (If I remember that far back) - Road & Track (or C&D) did an April (fools) issue with this as the test car giving all kinds of insane specs like acceleration, braking and cornering/slalom - I can't ever see the MLP without thinking about that...
Absolutely wonderful timing with the stormy sky, give the "epic" feel to a grand shot!
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That Stormy sky is typical summertime Florida. It was actually raining on me when I took that image.
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I've had great luck with shooting in light rain - great saturation, clean air... Very nice!
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that's pretty impressive!! looking at that makes us fell tinny!
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how can you ever get that close to that? (I hear it has heavy maintenance)
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Working out at Kennedy Space Center gives me the opportunity to get "That Close". Actually the MLP is minor in maintenance requirements as opposed to the crawler (which is underneath it in photo). The Crawler requires continual maintenance and upgrades, after all, the crawlers (We have two) have been transporting spacecraft (Apollo/Saturn V & Shuttle) out to the launch pads since 1965. The crawlers will continue to transport the rockets for the new constellation program as well.
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hmmm sounds right... I think they have a 'dirty jobs' on it... (lucky)
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Yes Discovery did a "dirty Jobs" episode on the crawler. I work with a woman whose husband is one of the drivers for the crawler. At some point in the near future I'm suppose to get a ride in one of them.
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nice... what's it's max speed? lol
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It takes, 5 hours to travel 3.5 miles from VAB to Pad 39A.
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wow... its pretty powerful though
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You are quite welcome.
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She served long and proud. A really incredible feat of engineering. I am sorry to hear she is retiring. Hopefully to be preserved.
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We're still waiting to hear what NASA intends to do with her once she is retired.
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