Payload Processing

Note: This is a clickable map. You may click on each box to view further details.

The Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is the primary launch and landing site for the Space Transportation System (STS), more commonly known as the Space Shuttle. KSC is also responsible for the final checkout, preparation, and loading of payloads in the Orbiter vehicle before launch and de-integration of payloads upon their return from space. This page is intended to provide you with a basic understanding of payload facilities, services, ground support equipment, and operations involved in the processing of flight hardware.

Horizontal Payload Processing Steps

1. Arrival and Receiving
2. Preparation and Staging
3. Experiment Integration
4. Spacelab Integration
5. CITE Testing
6. Transport to OPF
7. Orbiter Integration
8. OPF-to-VAB Transfer
9. Assembly and Rollout
10. Launch Pad Operations
11. Launch and Mission
12. Post-Flight Payload Operations

Vertical Payload Processing Steps

1. Arrival and Receiving
2. Payload Preparation
3. Payload Hazardous Processing
4. Upper Stage Processing (OMV, IUS, TOS, PAM)
5. Payload Integration & CITE Testing
6. Orbiter Operations
7. VPF-to-Pad Operations
8. RSS & PCR Operations
9. Orbiter Intergration
10. Launch & Mission
11. Postlanding Operations

Facilities involved in the Payload Processing Activities

• Horizontal Payload Elements
• Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility (PHSF)
• Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF)
• Vertical Processing Facility (VPF)
• Cannister / Transporter
  
• Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF)
  
• Transporter / Crawler
  
• Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB)
  
• Launch Control Center (LCC)
  
• Launch Pad 39-A
  
• Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF)
  

The information contained in the Payload Processing Flow pages are extracted directly from The Users' Guide to Spacelab Payload Processing, dated October 1986 and The Users' Guide to Vertical Payload Processing, February 1987.