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One of KSC two crawler
transporters (CT)
transports the Mobile Launcher Platform,
with the assembled Space Shuttle aboard,
between the refurbishment area, the VAB,
and Complex 39 Launch Pads A and B.
Normally, the CT lifts the mobile launcher
from its parking site pedestals at the
refurbishment area, carries it into the VAB,
and lowers it onto the pedestals in the
high bay.
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When the Shuttle orbiter has been mated to
the external tank and solid rocket boosters, the CT lifts the mobile
launcher with the Shuttle, and carries it to the launch pad using a laser
guidance system on the crawler and a leveling system. Once at the pad, the
CT lowers the Shuttle-topped mobile launcher onto the pad pedestals. The
CT then moves to a park site away from the pad to avoid possible damage
from launch. After the Shuttle is launched, the CT lifts the mobile
launcher from the pad and returns it to the parking location for
refurbishment.
The Crawler Transporter consists of these systems
and subsystems:
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AC
Power System |
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Auxiliary
Power System |
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Hydraulic
System |
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Pneumatic
System |
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Integrated
Monitor and Control System |
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Jacking,
Equalizing and Leveling System |
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Steering
System |
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Engine
Monitor System |
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DC
Propel System |
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Fire
Detection, Alarm and Protection System Lubrication System |
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Instrumentation
System |
Top of Page
Crawler Transporter Facts
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Height
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Minimum
(Cylinders retracted) |
20
Feet |
| Maximum (Cylinders extended) |
26
Feet |
| Size
|
Overall
The four contact points (interface) the crawler makes to the MLP
are arranged in a 90-foot
square-- (same as the base line on a
major league baseball field). |
131
Ft Long / 113 Ft Wide |
| Cylinders
|
Jacking
Hydraulic (16 Each) |
20-Inch
Diameter |
| Steering
Hydraulic
(16 Each) |
14.5-Inch
Diameter |
| Guide
Tube (4 Each) |
40-Inch
Diameter |
| Weight |
Overall |
5.5
Million Pounds |
| Chassis |
2.2
Million Pounds
(lifted by hydraulic system) |
| Speed |
Loaded |
1
MPH |
| Unloaded |
2
MPH |
| Loads |
Mobile
Launcher Platform
and Space Shuttle |
12.0
Million Pounds |
| Mobile
Launcher Platform |
8.8
Million Pounds |
Top of Page
Additional Facts
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Trucks
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Traction Motors
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16 each (4 per truck) 375 H.P.
each
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Belts
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8 each (2 per truck)
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Shoes
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57 per belts 8 belts, 456 shoes
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Shoe Weights
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2,200 Pounds each
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Hydraulic System
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Overall Capacity
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3700-Gallon Capacity
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Steering
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4 pumps, 35.5 GPM @ 1200 RPM, per
pump
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Pressure
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0-5,200 PSI Maximum
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Jacking, Equalizing, Leveling (JEL)
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8 pumps
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Electrical System
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DC Power System
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For 16 traction motors, 375 H.P.
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Diesel Engines
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Alco, 16 Cylinders, 2 @ 2,750 H.P.
each
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Generators (DC)
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4 @1,000 KW each
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AC Power System
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Runs all onboard systems
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Diesel Engines
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White-Superior, 8 Cylinders, 2 @
1,065 H.P. each, for A/C power
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Generators
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2 @ 750 KW each
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Diesel Fuel Capacity
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5,000 Gallons
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Fuel Consumption
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42 Feet Per Gallon,
(approximately 125.7 Gallons Per Mile)
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Drive System Gear Ratio
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168:1
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