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Space Shuttle Countdown:

Landing to Launch

Part3: Lesson Helps

The Orbiter Processing Facility

Contents

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OPF

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The Orbiter Processes

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Payloads

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Tiles

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Teachers & Parents

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Students Workshop

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STO: Landing to Launch













More OPF Information:

OPF Pictures

OPF Statistic

LINKS to OPF sites

photo of orbiter being towed to OPF

 

Immediately after landing, the Orbiter is towed to the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF). The Orbiter then will be accessed and processed through the safing procedures, postflight and pre-flight operations.

The Orbiter processes in OPF require approximately two-thirds of the time between missions. After that, the payloads may be installed into the Orbiter's payload bay and checked out for the next mission.

The Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) is a three-unit facility. It consists of high bay 1 (OPF-1), high bay 2 (OPF-2), and high bay 3 (OPF-3). Between high bay 1 and 2, there is a low bay which connects to the two high bays. High bay 3 is located to the north and east of the first two; it also has an adjacent low bay.


photo of interior of opf

Inside, each OPF is equiped with platforms, crains, and equipment, which allow personnel to access and work at all levels on the vehicle. The heaviest equipment and components such as main engines and payloads will be removed and installed in these facilities.

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