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

Space Shuttle Program Historic Properties 6-29
NASA Kennedy Space Center
that the low bay, which extends 236 ft in length, 98 ft in width and 25 ft in height, sits at
the center of the structure. The two high bays are at the south end of the low bay, with
High Bay 1 lying to the east and High Bay 2 to the west. Each hangar measures 197 ft in
length, 150 ft in width and 95 ft in height.
Within each hangar is a structure of stationary and moveable platforms centered on the
orbiter access door. The orbiter is positioned within the structure so that its nose is at the
south end. To the north, at the aft end of the orbiter, is a pair of door-like attachments,
known as the 513 workstand, which closes on the orbiter after it is in place. The
stationary stand, contoured to fit the shape of the orbiter, provides three platform levels
for access to the orbiter on all four sides. In addition to the stationary levels, there are the
“10s,” “19s,” “11s,” “8s,” and “13s” moveable platforms that provide more direct access
to these areas. The “10s,” “11s,” and “19s” are for the aft end of the orbiter, including the
main engines and OMS pods. The “8s” provide access to the reinforced carbon panels,
which are forward of the wings, and the “13s” enable access to the payload compartment.
These are set in place after the payload doors are opened. At the ends of the payload
compartment hang plastic curtains, providing a clean room atmosphere for the area. All
of the platform levels are connected by stairs, ladders and ramps. There is also an
elevator situated at the southeast corner of the structure. In addition, all platforms,
including the moveable ones, are fitted with handrails for safety purposes, and an air
shower near the southeast corner of the second platform level.
Photo 6.18. Orbiter Processing Facility High Bay 1 interior, looking southwest.
(Source: Archaeological Consultants, Inc., 2006)
The OPF, classified within the Vehicle Processing Facilities property type, is considered
eligible for listing in the NRHP in the context of the U.S. Space Shuttle Program (1969-
2010) under Criterion A in the area of Space Exploration as one of only two structures
built exclusively for Shuttle orbiter pre-flight and post-landing processing. Each orbiter
was processed for its first operational flight in this facility. It is also eligible under
Criterion C in the area of Engineering, as it clearly embodies the distinctive
characteristics of its type and method of construction. Its internal components, such as the
October 2007
Archaeological Consultants, Inc.