May 10 1977
From The Space Library
MSFC reported that the NASA barge Poseidon was on its way to Seal Beach, Calif., to pick up a Space Shuttle orbiter simulator and deliver it to the Natl. Space Technology Laboratories at Bay St. Louis, Mo., to stand in for the orbiter during firings next year of the main propulsion test article, consisting of the simulator with an external tank and thrust structure covering 3 main engines. MSFC had used the Poseidon in the 1960s to move stages of Saturn rockets. (MSFC Release 77-84)
MSFC announced completion of pressure and structural-load tests on the liquid hydrogen tank that would be part of the Shuttle external tank being built at the Michoud Assembly Facility by Martin Marietta Aerospace. The tests to certify that the tank met design and manufacturing standards included filling the tank with nitrogen at 42psi for 14hr and applying hydraulic loads as high as 600tons where the orbiter and solid fuel rocket boosters would be attached. Largest of 3 major elements of the external tank, the hydrogen container about 30m (97ft) long and 8.3m (27.6ft) in diameter would now go for cleaning, corrosion protection, and insulating. (MSFC Release 77-83)
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