14 DAY TRIAL // NASA is currently working hard with its contractors to upgrade the Crawler-Transporter platform at its Kennedy Space Center, in Florida, to support Space Launch System (SLS) operations starting in 2017. Recently, the agency has passed a critical milestone in its upgrade efforts.
The image above sees C-T2, NASA's smaller transporter, outfitted with new roller bearing assemblies. This upgrade was completed on time, at the end of January, marking an important step in getting the massive tracked vehicle ready for a 2017 test flight.
The mission will include the newly built SLS and the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV). This will represent the first time the two spacecraft will fly together, and launch is scheduled to occur from the KSC. C-T2 will transport the two to their launch pad.
The new roller bearing assemblies were installed on the A and C portion of the transporter. Work is now underway to do the same for the B and D sections of C-T2. The effort is scheduled to conclude within the next two months. In the end, all Crawler upgrades will allow it to move more cargo (from 12 to 18 million pounds, or 5.4 to 8.1 million kilograms) from the KSC Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pad.