The CM-LAS and the Birdcage
Posted on May 04, 2009 05:20:12 PM | Dan Kanigan | 0 Comments    |

Ares I-X hardware has the best nicknames.

These images show the Stack-5 Ground Support Equipment Lifting Fixture or as it is known to the I-X team, the "birdcage" being lowered over the Crew Module/Launch Abort System (CM/LAS) for a fit check. The birdcage is a metal framework that was collaboratively built and designed at the Langley Research Center in Langley, Virginia and Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It fits over the CM/LAS in order for it to be moved and stacked creating super stack 5.

The "birdcage" is bolted to the bottom of the crew module portion of the CM/LAS and then lifted into place (by one of the 325 ton overhead cranes in the VAB) and placed on top of the service module, which is already stacked on top of the Ares I-X rocket.  Technicians can then remove the bolts -- from inside the CM -- and the "birdcage" is removed.


Tags : Ares I-X, Ares rocket, Kennedy Space Center, LAS, Langley Research Center, Launch Abort System, bircage, super stack  

Post a new comment (comments are moderated for this post)

Comment notes

Keep comments relevant. Inappropriate or offensive comments may be edited and/or deleted. Avoid adding Web site URLs.

Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use <p> or <br/>. Quotes, apostrophes, and double-dashes are automatically converted to smart punctuation. Be careful when copying and pasting portions of entries or other comments.


 * :Type the characters you see in the picture.
 Word verification image
   Refresh

Avoid clicking “Post” more than once. Response may take a few seconds.

0 Comments so far ( Post your own )
Search Blogs
 
 
Browse by Year

Browse by Author