2007-07-12 02:58:18 · 10 answers · asked by gravelstatic 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Astronomy & Space
All they can do in the VAB is assemble the stack. All the fueling and electrical tests must be done on the pad where the umbilical connections are located. These tests are extensive and time consuming, hence several weeks are allocated for such tests, giving time for multiple runs and simulations with the crew that include sitting atop the shuttle on the pad prior to launch.
2007-07-12 04:48:43 · answer #1 · answered by Jason T 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of the time the payload is transferred into the payload bay at the pad. In order to maintain a dust free clean environment for satellites or modules.
They use specialized handling equipment that transport these payloads in canisters to the pad and erects them in a compartment within the mobile service structure. The compartment closes maintaining this sterile environment. The rotating service structure than closes around the orbiter and the payload is transferred into the payload bay.
This whole procedure as well as tests, tests, and more tests take a lot of time as you can imagine. The Shuttle is an extremely complicated piece of machinery.
2007-07-12 06:16:40 · answer #2 · answered by ericbryce2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Moving at less than one mile an hour atop the crawler-transporter, the shuttle assembly began the 3.4-mile trip at 8:10 p.m. EDT June 10 and arrived at the pad at 2:30 a.m. July 11. Endeavour was "hard down" -- or secured in place -- on the pad at 3:02 a.m.
2007-07-12 03:08:51 · answer #3 · answered by DanE 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are scheduled events that must take place prior to launch; they prepare the shuttle stack as much as they can in the VAB, but all final prep must take place out on the pad (hooking up fuel lines, running tests, etc.), and it also clears the VAB to prep the next shuttle for it's flight.
2007-07-12 04:18:21 · answer #4 · answered by quantumclaustrophobe 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they can. Just like why a dog licks himself.
Why, Daddy, why, why, why?
Oh, NASA just got an "itch" to do it then. No particular reason, like extensive testing of each vital system as it is built into the Shuttle construction. Not like there are any lives at stake here. Not like THAT'S important to them. They could have waited till the night before launch, OK?
2007-07-12 03:16:41 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The crawler that takes the shuttle to the pad runs at like a half mile per hour, and I believe its like a 10 milte trip. Then, they have to hook up everything, and then test and retest the systems to ensure everything is safe. Then add fuel, and oxygen, etc.
2007-07-12 03:05:32 · answer #6 · answered by George P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have you ever seen one of those crawlers. It moves at like 0.000000000000000000000001 miles per hour with roughly a 10 mile trip. It is going to take a while. You also have to take in consideration that they need to hook everything up and run multiple last minute tests, etc.....Hope this helps
2007-07-12 03:08:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does your mammy know yur oot? These guys are highly paid and believe or not, they actually TRAIN to be strapped to the very top of a glorified firework. No-one holds a gun to their heads - they WANT to do this. So, no - they shouldn't be out bevvying. BTW: Congrats for managing to string a couple of sentences together without spouting vitriol at people.
2016-04-01 00:04:44 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
because they want it to grow roots!
ha ha ha.
have no idea. may be because they want time to check every thing just before take off. after testing for 6 weaks they can take off without further moving it
2007-07-12 03:09:11 · answer #9 · answered by Nalin S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They have many test to be done and if there is a problem it will take a little time to fix the problem.
2007-07-12 03:55:50 · answer #10 · answered by JOHNNIE B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋