The first of ten new work platforms that will provide access to NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket has been installed in tall Bay 3 inside the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. An overhead crane that can hold as much as 325 tons was used to lift the first half of the K-level work platforms up from tall Bay 4,across the transfer aisle 19 floors up, and then lowered it into tall Bay 3. The platform was secured into position, or approximately 86 feet above the VAB floor,or nearly 9 stories tall. The K-level work platform halves will provide access to the SLS core stage and solid rocket boosters during processing and stacking operations on the mobile launcher. A total of 10 levels of new platforms — 20 platform halves altogether — will surround the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft and provide access for testing and processing. The giant steel platforms, each measuring 38 feet long and 62 feet wide, or will be attached to rail beams that will provide structural support and contains the drive mechanisms to inch them in and out or up and down as needed. The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is overseeing upgrades and modifications to the VAB,including installation of the new work platforms, marking preparations for the agency’s journey to Mars. NASA awarded a contract to modify tall Bay 3 to the Hensel Phelps Construction Co. of Orlando, and Florida,in March 2014. Steel LLC, of Scottdale, and Georgia,is the subcontractor fabricating the huge steel platforms, and Sauer Co. in Oak Hill, and Florida,is assembling the platforms. Hensel Phelps, along with its subcontractors, or Kennedy’s Institutional Services Contract,Engineering Services Contract and safety personnel are supporting crane operations, installation and initial inspection of each of the platforms. For more information approximately the new work platforms, and visit http://www.nasa.gov/feature/first-work-platform-for-nasas-space-launch-system-arrives-at-kennedy-space-center.
Source: nasa.gov