Payload Transfer |
Getting Hubble's payload from Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in Maryland
to the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida is an ordeal unto itself. Once it arrives at KSC, it is unpacked and prepped for placement in the shuttle Atlantis' bay. + View video: How Payloads are Installed on the Orbiter |
Carriers |
Each time astronauts upgrade the Hubble Space Telescope, the new equipment rides to orbit on specialized pallets called carriers. In previous missions, only three carriers were needed. SM4 introduces the new Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier (SLIC), a fourth carrier. |
Flight System Support (FSS) |
The Flight Support System (FSS) is the structure which holds HST and provides power and computer interfaces while it is berthed to an Orbiter during Servicing |
Multi-Use Logistics Equipment (MULE) |
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The Multi-Use Logistics Equipment (MULE) carrier is one of the four pallets that will hold equipment in space shuttle Atlantis' payload bay. It will carry the Relative Navigation System, Hubble's New Outer Blanket Layers, or NOBLs, a variety of contingency tools and crew aids, a spare Rate Sensor Unit, and a contingency Electronic
Control Unit. |
Orbital Replacement Unit Carrier (ORUC) |
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ORUC is used to carry replacement units into orbit and to return replaced units to Earth. The carrier consists of a Spacelab pallet outfitted with shelves and protective enclosures to hold the replacement units. For SM4 ORUC will carry approximately a third of the Hubble payload. It will hold COS and an IMAX camera, which will document the mission for a future film on Hubble. Because of the late addition of the IMAX camera, some significant structural changes had to be made to the carrier. |
Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier (SLIC) |
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The composite Super Lightweight Interchangeable Carrier (SLIC) is a new breed of equipment carrier that will allow the Space Shuttle to transport a full complement of scientific instruments and other components to Hubble. + Read More |
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Carrier Photo and Graphic Images
The four Shuttle carrier systems undergo final processing at KSC, (left to right) MULE, FSS, SLIC, ORUC
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SM4 Payload in Shuttle Bay Unlabeled
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SM4 Payload in Shuttle Bay with Carriers Labeled
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SM4 Shuttle Bay with Carriers and Payload Labeled
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Carrier Animated Videos
Atlantis Cargo Bay/Carriers close-up
Quicktime 27MB 18sec |
Carrier location within Shuttle
MPEG 13MB 48sec |
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