|
Author
|
Topic: STS-135: External Tank-138 (ET-138) insignia
|
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42984
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 06-06-2011 05:32 PM
   
collectSPACE: Final space shuttle to feature 'nose art' When the space shuttle launches on its final mission next month, it will be adorned with the same markings it has always been — the United States flag and the NASA logo — with one subtle but special addition. Launch spectators may find it difficult to see, but painted on an access door near the top of the shuttle's fuel tank will be 'nose art' paying tribute to the winged vehicles' 30 year legacy. It'll be only the second time in 135 missions that the space shuttle has lifted off with a commemorative emblem painted on its side... |
IconDesign29
Member Posts: 48
From: Houston, Texas
Registered: Apr 2011
|
posted 06-07-2011 07:31 AM
Excellent article, Robert! It was very insightful! |
cspg
Member Posts: 6210
From: Geneva, Switzerland
Registered: May 2006
|
posted 06-07-2011 09:33 AM
Good idea but why not make something visible to all? |
robsouth
Member Posts: 769
From: West Midlands, UK
Registered: Jun 2005
|
posted 06-07-2011 02:17 PM
In a recent newspaper article about the final shuttle mission, I saw a photo of Atlantis on its way to the launch pad. The external tank looked white and I thought they had painted it, like in the old days, as a special feature for the final flight. It was in fact just the powerful lights being directed at it that gave it a white appearance but it looked cool. |
Robert Pearlman
Editor Posts: 42984
From: Houston, TX
Registered: Nov 1999
|
posted 07-07-2011 09:09 AM
As noted on the collectSPACE "Today in Space History" journal: NASA's plan to pay tribute to its 30-year shuttle program by adding commemorative 'nose art' to its final space shuttle's external tank recently had to be overturned... literally. While attempting to install it, technicians discovered that the painted access door had had its emblem applied uʍop ǝpısdn. Attempts to attach the hatch so its logo was displayed upright were unsuccessful. A plain black door was installed instead.
Additional details from a Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF) worker posted to another forum: In defense of the artist, the door used had an ink stamped part number from the vendor of the door applied in the wrong location. The ink stamp is used for the orientation of the part. They were unable to just flip the door because the lower hole pattern and upper hole pattern are 0.1 inch different. We had to eat a lot of crow for not catching the ink stamp location error. Our motto at MAF is "Finish Strong"; of course our fans at Kennedy Space Center have changed it to "Finish Wrong" Our management was more frakked over this than I have seen in a long time. There were two doors involved in this. The door with the artwork is going to Marshall Space Flight Center for display. |
OV-105
Member Posts: 816
From: Ridgecrest, CA
Registered: Sep 2000
|
posted 07-09-2011 09:53 AM
And this campers is why they do fit checks for everything. |
benguttery
Member Posts: 547
From: Fort Worth, TX, USA
Registered: Feb 2005
|
posted 07-09-2011 11:32 AM
Let me start by saying I was a purist about this at one time, but now, not so much... Why weren't advertising rights sold on the shuttle? I think Bud or Coke would have paid a nice sum to see the external tank painted like a can of their drink. |
OV-105
Member Posts: 816
From: Ridgecrest, CA
Registered: Sep 2000
|
posted 07-09-2011 06:59 PM
It didn't help their sales when they flew the cans on 51-F. So they wouldn't spend the big money for the tank. Now with all of the CGA they could still do it now for almost nothing when it comes to the money spent for an ad. |
dogcrew5369
Member Posts: 750
From: Statesville, NC
Registered: Mar 2009
|
posted 07-10-2011 09:11 PM
I always wanted the last shuttle ET to be painted retro white in commemoration to STS-1, but I know it would weigh too much.. fun to think about though seeing the all white shuttle launch once more. |
advertisement