Shuttle ground turnaround and launch projections

Abstract

An analysis of factors in the Turnaround Improvement Program intended is presented as a basis for launch rate projections. Noting that a second Shuttle processing facility is in preparation at Kennedy Space Center, details of the initial reprocessing phase, the refurbishing of the SRBs, which are jettisoned about 2 min after lift-off, are described. Until STS-7, Orbiter turnaround begins by configuring the vehicle for flight to KSC on board a 747. The Orbiter Processing Facility at KSC features two identical bays for unloading, inspection, repair, analysis, testing, and preparing for the succeeding flight. The SRBs are repositioned first, then the external tank, and then the Orbiter is fitted back in place. Parallel processing of two Orbiters will begin with STS-5 turnaround, and optimized times are expected to be achieved with the STS-30 flight, with significant test reduction coming with STS-14.