john f. kennedy space center brevard county, florida - Environmental ...

Space Shuttle Program Historic Properties 6-44
NASA Kennedy Space Center
Photo 6.38. Canister Rotation Facility, interior to southeast.
(Source: Archaeological Consultants, Inc., 2006)
The Canister Rotation Facility is considered eligible for listing in the NRHP in the
context of the U.S. Space Shuttle Program (1969-2010) under Criteria A and C in the
areas of Space Exploration and Engineering, respectively. Because it has achieved
exceptional significance within the past 50 years, Criteria Consideration G applies. The
Canister Rotation Facility was designed and built exclusively to provide for the
horizontal and vertical rotation of the payload canister in support of the SSP. This
building made possible a more efficient performance of this operation, previously
conducted in the VAB. Under Criterion C, it is distinguished by its uniquely designed
equipment, rather than the building’s exterior shell. This facility is in excellent condition
and maintains its integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling,
and association.
6.2.23 Orbiter Payload Canisters (8BR2017)
The two Orbiter Payload Canisters at KSC, constructed by Belko Steel Corporation of
Orlando in 1978, are large, environmentally-controlled cargo containers in which fullyintegrated
Shuttle payloads are transported from various processing or assembly facilities
to the launch pad. Each Orbiter Payload Canister is approximately 65 ft long, 18 ft wide,
and 18 ft-7 in wide. The empty canisters each weigh 107,000 lbs. They can hold
vertically or horizontally processed payloads of up to 15 ft in diameter, 60 ft in length,
and weighing up to 65,000 lbs, matching the cargo-carrying capacity of the orbiter's
payload bay. The canisters are supported the same way as they are in the payload bay --
by trunnion and keel supports. The clamshell-shaped doors are the same size as those on
the orbiter.
October 2007
Archaeological Consultants, Inc.