Dumb Shuttle Payload Development Questions

[Usonian]

I have been searching on-line for some basic information about payload accomodations in the Shuttle payload bay. Can anyone point me to some general info on payload allowable dimensions, attachment points/methods, cargo cradles/pallets? Is any of this stadardized, or is it custom construction for each payload?

Assuming some measure of standarization in real life, do any of the shuttle add-ons for Orbiter include cradles or pallets to provide realistic looking attachment of payloads?

There are quite detailed Delta II payload guides for commercial users. I suppose NASA gave up even the appearance that the Shuttle offers a commercially competitive launch option, thus no need of on-line users guides.

 

[DaveS]

There are quite detailed Delta II payload guides for commercial users. I suppose NASA gave up even the appearance that the Shuttle offers a commercially competitive launch option, thus no need of on-line users guides.

No, in fact it's illegal for them to launch commecial satellites ever since the Challenger accident.

 

[Urwumpe]

http://www.geocities.com/bobandrepont/shuttlepdf.htm

Start here.

You also have a special NASA page with such information, but I lost the link.

 

[DaveS]

http://www.geocities.com/bobandrepont/shuttlepdf.htm

Start here.

You also have a special NASA page with such information, but I lost the link.

Well, here's a good page from United Space Alliance, the prime shuttle processing contractor: http://www.unitedspacealliance.com/icd/

 

[Urwumpe]

I think we really need a GAS bridge for SSU...

 

[DaveS]

I think we really need a GAS bridge for SSU...

We really need the the retention panels for the bigger payloads first!

 

[gimp1992]

Try http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19940003617_1994003617.pdf

 

[Donamy]

Installed these for the next payload release.

 

[DaveS]

Installed these for the next payload release.

Nice, however they need to be moved more inwards as shown on this photo of Columbia's payload bay: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/shuttle/sts-107/hires/s107e05359.jpg

 

[Urwumpe]

Installed these for the next payload release.

Nice. When we can agree on a payload interface, I could sure deliver code to add the right payload supports to the visual depending on the payload configuration.

On the payload interfaces, see my post in a few minutes in the SSU Dev thread, so we can discuss this there.

 

[Usonian]

Installed these for the next payload release.

HOLY FU.. um, crap! Until I spotted the yellow info text in the upper right I thought this was a real life photohmy:

You Ultra guys are serious. Will I need a main frame to run this add-on?

Thanks for the leads.

...

Edit: Thanks all - and I feel foolish not to have looked on the Manned Spaceflight Document page. One of my favorites. This document probably has the info I want, and perhpas it will be useful for your efforts.

http://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19940003617_1994003617.pdf

 

[Donamy]

Nice, however they need to be moved more inwards as shown on this photo of Columbia's payload bay: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/shuttle/sts-107/hires/s107e05359.jpg

Once they are scaled down the 2.75 %, they should fit well. They are also a different type than the ones in your pic.

 

[ryan]

How could you guys develop a lighting system for the payload bay, maybe something like AMSO has for when a Saturn V is on the pad and you can turn your lights on to illuminate the rocket, it's never good to be fumbling around in the dark in a payload bay, you might damage something, but in orbiter case just float through it.