The O&C Building CITE stand provides a variety of support services during the processing flow. CITE serves as a high-fidelity mock-up of the Orbiter payload bay, duplicating physical dimensions and selected fluid, electrical, mechanical, and software interfaces between the Orbiter and any payload elements. Currently, such a simulated Orbiter interface test is planned only for first-time payload configurations, such as Spacelab One and Two. For the standard Spacelab configurations that follow, interface tests in the CITE stand may be an optional step in the processing flow. The forward end of the stand supports a second aft flight deck simulator (similar to the unit in the experiment integration are), which can be used to conduct detailed mission simulations and to rehearse new or unique payload operations. It should be noted that here is no capability to perform a Payload Operations Control Center (POCC) interface test anywhere at KSC outside of the Orbiter, except at the CITE stand.
Return to NASA Home Page 
Return to KSC Home Page