Posts: 52017 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-03-2014 09:20 AM
NASA STI Program video release
This video introduces the Pathfinder Shuttle Exhibit, a joint project between the Marshall Space Flight Center and the State of Alabama's Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville.
The exhibit features a never flown shuttle vehicle, Pathfinder, that was used in early ground tests in the shuttle program, as well as an actual external fuel tank and set of booster rockets.
The video includes footage of actual launches, the Pathfinder Shuttle Exhibit, and shots of the Space Camp at Alabama's Space and Rocket Center.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 52017 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-03-2014 09:30 AM
The archival video provides a great early look at the Pathfinder. Did you know that two of its SSME nozzles flew on STS-1?
The video precedes the addition of the solid rocket boosters, which are special unto themselves. As this photo, courtesy Scott "Shuttleman" Phillips, reveals, the solid rocket boosters used in the Pathfinder exhibit were assembled from the filament-wound cases designed and built for polar launches from Space Launch Complex-6 (SLC-6) at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California.
The dark filament was painted white to give the boosters the same appearance as those that launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Greggy_D Member
Posts: 1008 From: Michigan Registered: Jul 2006
posted 02-03-2014 02:56 PM
quote:Originally posted by Robert Pearlman: Did you know that two of its SSME nozzles flew on STS-1?
No kidding. I've always thought they were replicas. Looking back now at the pics of Pathfinder I took when my daughter and I attended Space Camp in 2012, they do look pretty authentic if not real. That's a neat piece of trivia.
p51 Member
Posts: 1784 From: Olympia, WA Registered: Sep 2011
posted 02-03-2014 06:38 PM
I find this odd in a way, because they make a big deal about those being real. I've been to Space Camp twice with the adult program, and I've heard all about it each time.
Jay Chladek Member
Posts: 2272 From: Bellevue, NE, USA Registered: Aug 2007
posted 02-03-2014 10:31 PM
The SRB nozzles and I believe possibly the nosecones from the original display were removed from Pathfinder and replaced either with replicas or other units that had concluded their operational use sometime in the early to mid 1990s. The basic hardware for those assemblies was the same as the standard SRBs.
NASA and the contractor if I recall correctly as a cost cutting measure pulled them off for refurbishment as flight articles to help save a bit of money and not have to make a new set. I presume they got used, but don't know what missions they flew on.
As for Pathfinder itself, it was essentially a fit check mockup built at KSC in the general dimensions of the shuttle to help make sure equipment and facilities designed for the shuttle would fit around it before Enterprise (and later Columbia) paid their first visits to KSC. Later, it was sent to Marshall to help with preparations for Enterprise's visit for the vibration testing.
The Pathfinder didn't look much like a shuttle back then except for its general layout. It was rebuilt into something that resembled an orbiter more closely for a space display in Japan and the USSRC got ahold of it after it came back to the states. I personally never got a chance to see it up close (just a brief glimpse in 2011 on my way back from STS-131) as I went to Space Camp before they got it. But I remember reading the literature on the museum's plans for it quite well as it was mentioned in all the Space Camp newsletters I got after my visit.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 52017 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-04-2014 10:04 AM
quote:Originally posted by Jay Chladek: The Pathfinder didn't look much like a shuttle back then except for its general layout.
For those not familiar with Pathfinder's original configuration, here are a few photos.
SprocketCur Member
Posts: 12 From: Huntsville, AL Registered: Mar 2011
posted 02-14-2014 09:50 AM
Just to make sure all bases are covered, the ET under Pathfinder is also the same tank that was used in SSME qualification testing at Stennis in the lead up to STS-1. It was partnered with the SSME Thrust Structure (also referred to as the Main Propulsion Test Article and sometimes the "Boattail"), which now sits in Shuttle Park.
You'll be glad to know that a complete re-vamp of all the signage in Shuttle Park is underway with corrected specs (it was shortened by about 3 feet for during the re-fit for Japan) on Pathfinder and other new/improved details!
hotdog Member
Posts: 41 From: Chattanooga, TN Registered: Dec 2011
posted 02-14-2014 09:29 PM
Thanks for the info! That is good news. Looking forward to seeing the new signage in the Shuttle Park. I'm guessing Pathfinder was shortened by 3 feet for transportation reasons? I imagine that had to affect the mounting of the orbiter onto the ET since the forward attachment strut would probably have to be moved to compensate for the reduction in length.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 52017 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
An early space shuttle mockup that was used in the test of NASA ground facilities before becoming part of a landmark public display has qualified as an "American Treasure" worthy of preservation and a half-a-million-dollar federal grant.
The National Park Service (NPS) on Thursday (Aug. 20) announced that it was providing $500,000 towards the conservation and restoration of the space shuttle Pathfinder located at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. More than 40 years old, the mock orbiter is part of the world's first and currently only "full-stack" display of a space shuttle launch vehicle, and has been viewed by millions of people, including the hundreds of thousands of students who attended Space Camp at the rocket center.
The award is part of $12.8 million in Save America's Treasures grants that are going this year to fund 42 preservation and conservation projects in 26 states.
p51 Member
Posts: 1784 From: Olympia, WA Registered: Sep 2011
posted 08-21-2020 04:58 PM
I'm very glad to hear this as Pathfinder needed some help the last time I saw it in 2018.
Pathfinder is for the most part, an orbiter-looking shell that cost about a million dollars to display at the Great Space Shuttle Exposition in Tokyo during the summer of 1984, as NASA wouldn't give them the Enterprise or any other orbiter for the display there. Once it came back to the US, then the display was apparently decided upon at Huntsville. Though you can see if from the parking lot, you really have to go inside the fence to get a good look or any usable photo of it.
Having gone to the Adult Space Camp there five times since 2012, I have seen it many times and the sight never gets old. Sadly, parts had fallen on the pilot's side wing and the last time I was there in 2018 the entire space underneath was roped off in case anything else fell off...
I also took these in trips before:
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 52017 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-19-2021 06:37 PM
U.S. Space & Rocket Center video
Work is underway for the first phase of a multi-year restoration project of the Pathfinder Space Shuttle Exhibit. For more information and to learn how you can help, visit here.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 52017 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-20-2021 09:55 AM
Space Camp Alumni Foundation photos (via Facebook):
Crucial work is beginning on the Pathfinder, to start the restoration process. After 30 years in the Alabama sun, the structure of Pathfinder needs to be evaluated to determine the scope of work that will needed during the restoration.
The first steps are taking off the exterior and removing large pieces of the shell. We will be sharing this restoration process as it goes along, because of the connection many alumni have with Pathfinder!
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 52017 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-29-2021 03:36 PM
Space Camp Alumni Foundation photos (via Facebook):
The next step in the Pathfinder Restoration was taking down the engines. All three engines have now been safely removed!
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 52017 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-29-2021 03:41 PM
Photos courtesy Space Camp Hall of Fame inductee Burke Hare:
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 52017 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
An early mockup-turned-model of NASA's space shuttle orbiter, the Pathfinder was lowered from its towering outdoor display at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama on Monday (Feb. 8), to undergo a multi-year, multi-million-dollar restoration.
sts205cdr Member
Posts: 752 From: Sacramento, CA Registered: Jun 2001
posted 02-08-2021 02:08 PM
I'm so glad to see this! She's always been my favorite artifact there, and really needed some TLC. Same with the ET and SRBs. Can't wait to go back and see the stack when they're done!
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 52017 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-15-2021 06:24 PM
This was taken a month ago, but I only just came across it: Pathfinder without its skin (photo credit: Burke Hare).
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 52017 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-08-2022 02:00 PM
Space Camp Alumni update
One year ago today, the Pathfinder Space Shuttle test article was lifted down to begin the restoration process on the ground! Now a year later, you can see the interior structure has been laid down on the ground, and work removing the foam from the External Tank is in process!
The SRBs and External Tank will be restored as well, and at the end of this multi-year process the entire shuttle stack will be looking much different!
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 52017 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-02-2022 05:03 PM
U.S. Space & Rocket Center video
Work continues on the Pathfinder shuttle restoration project, with the refurbishment of the solid rocket boosters coming next. For more information on the progress of the Pathfinder project, please see the Pathfinder report.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 52017 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-06-2022 04:59 PM
U.S. Space & Rocket Center update
Shuttle Pathfinder's solid rocket boosters are looking good as new!
The project has also released a timeline of the completed and upcoming work:
March 2022 — May 2022 External Tank Repairs
The foam on the External Tank will be completely removed from the tank using sponge jet blast media. Upon removal of the foam, an inspection will be made of the tank itself for structural integrity before a new foam layer and protective coating is applied.
une 2022 — August 2022 Solid Rocket Booster Repairs
The paint will be stripped using the same sponge jet technology used for removing the foam. Once the paint is removed, the boosters will be re-painted. Additionally connecting pins will be replaced and retaining bands around the segment joints will be fabricated and replaced.
March 2022 — May 2023 Orbiter Cover Design and Fabrication
A new cover for the Pathfinder artifact will be designed and fabricated to attach to the Pathfinder artifact. The cover design will utilize additive manufacturing processes with materials used to ensure a long life as an outdoor display.
October 2022 — January 2023 Pathfinder frame repairs
Near the rear of the frame there are areas with significant water intrusion and rusting that will be addressed. There are also a couple of steel support beams that have buckled over time that will be repaired or replaced.
May 2023 — September 2023 Orbiter Installation
mercsim Member
Posts: 252 From: Phoenix, AZ Registered: Feb 2007
posted 08-07-2022 08:43 AM
It would be nice if they added the 3 feet back in while its this far disassembled.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 52017 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 05-24-2023 02:44 PM
U.S. Space & Rocket Center update
The iconic Pathfinder shuttle is well on the way to a full restoration. Since January 2021, crews have disassembled the model, evaluated the concrete support pillars and removed the external tank foam.
The solid rocket boosters received a fresh coat of paint, including new striping, in December. Our external tanks have been outfitted with new foam.
Next, we will begin repairs to the foundation. That's when things are going to get exciting as assembly of the new orbiter begins. The Rocket Center is working with an additive manufacturing company to 3D print a durable a new orbiter cover to ensure its long life as an outdoor display.
p51 Member
Posts: 1784 From: Olympia, WA Registered: Sep 2011
posted 05-24-2023 03:59 PM
Wow, it's looking quite good for the ET and SRBs. Thanks for the photo.
I didn't know that the plan was to have the 'orbiter' back on the stack by this fall. That means it could be back in place and restored by the next time I go there.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 52017 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-04-2024 05:33 PM
U.S. Space & Rocket Center update
Exciting news! Work is underway on the exterior of Pathfinder as crews place 3-D printed panels on the restored hull of the artifact.
It is going to be exciting as we get closer to returning Pathfinder to the full space shuttle stack. Check out these photos of the work so far.
posted 02-03-2014 09:20 AM
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