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The Lunar Test Article-8 (LTA-8), suspended from the ceiling in Space Center Houston, is a first production man-rated lunar module constructed from 1965-1967 that was used to simulate operations on earth in support of the Apollo 9 and 11 missions.
Upon its arrival to NASA Johnson Space Center in 1967, LTA-8 began simulations in a thermal vacuum chamber that would mimic the extreme temperatures and lack of atmosphere experienced during space flight. Astronaut Jim Irwin (Apollo 15) and Grumann test pilots Gerald Gibbons, Glennon Kingsley and Air Force Major Joseph Gagliano were selected to do simulations in the module. One of the most important components to be tested during simulations was the Environmental Control Subsystem (ECS), where astronauts practiced unhooking their spacesuit cords from the module and switching to the Portable Life Support System (PLSS) — the backpacks which regulated pressure and other systems such as providing oxygen and a cooling system to keep the astronauts safe while working on the lunar surface. The LTA-8 also helped astronauts train on firing the descent and ascent stage engines. This craft had been in a space environment for over 161 consecutive hours and was manned for 48 hours and 25 minutes.
Space Center Houston is the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center and a Smithsonian Affiliate Museum owned and operated by the nonprofit Manned Spaceflight Education Foundation. The center opened in 1992 and hosts more than 1 million visitors annually in its 250,000-square-foot educational complex with over 400 space artifacts, permanent and traveling exhibits, attractions, live shows and theaters dedicated to preserving the history of America's human spaceflight program.
The Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Manned Spacecraft Center, where human spaceflight training, research, and flight control are conducted. Construction of the center, designed by Charles Luckman, began in 1962 and the 1,620-acre facility officially opened for business in September 1963. The center is home to NASA's astronaut corps, and is responsible for training astronauts from both the U.S. and its international partners. It has become popularly known for its flight control function, identified as "Mission Control" during the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo–Soyuz, and Space Shuttle program flights. It is also the site of the former Lunar Receiving Laboratory, where the first astronauts returning from the Moon were quarantined, and where the majority of lunar samples are stored.
Tags: Harris County Houston Johnson Space Center JSC Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center NASA Johnson Space Center Space Center Space Center Houston Texas Manned Spacecraft Center NASA Lunar Module LTA-8 LTA-8 Lunar Module Lunar Test Article-8
Independence Plaza opened at Space Center Houston in 2016 and features an 80-ton shuttle mockup of the Independence, mounted on top of the actual 159-ton shuttle carrier aircraft NASA 905.
NASA 905 is one of two Shuttle Carrier Aircrafts (SCA) extensively modified Boeing 747's used to transport Shape Shuttle orbiters from landing sites back to Kennedy Space Center. The 905 was originally manufactured for American Airlines, acquired in 1974, and modified by Boeing in 1976. While first-class seats were kept for NASA passengers, its main cabin and insulation were stripped, mounting struts were added, and the fuselage was strengthened.
Space Shuttle Independence, formerly known as Explorer, is a full-scale, high-fidelity replica of the Space Shuttle. It was built by Guard-Lee in Apopka, Florida, installed at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in 1993, and moved to Space Center Houston in 2012. It was built using schematics, blueprints and archival documents provided by NASA and by shuttle contractors such as Rockwell International. While many of the features on the replica are simulated, some parts, including the landing gear's Michelin tires, have been used in the Space Shuttle program.
Space Center Houston is the official visitor center of NASA Johnson Space Center and a Smithsonian Affiliate Museum owned and operated by the nonprofit Manned Spaceflight Education Foundation. The center opened in 1992 and hosts more than 1 million visitors annually in its 250,000-square-foot educational complex with over 400 space artifacts, permanent and traveling exhibits, attractions, live shows and theaters dedicated to preserving the history of America's human spaceflight program.
The Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Manned Spacecraft Center, where human spaceflight training, research, and flight control are conducted. Construction of the center, designed by Charles Luckman, began in 1962 and the 1,620-acre facility officially opened for business in September 1963. The center is home to NASA's astronaut corps, and is responsible for training astronauts from both the U.S. and its international partners. It has become popularly known for its flight control function, identified as "Mission Control" during the Gemini, Apollo, Skylab, Apollo–Soyuz, and Space Shuttle program flights. It is also the site of the former Lunar Receiving Laboratory, where the first astronauts returning from the Moon were quarantined, and where the majority of lunar samples are stored.
Tags: Harris County Houston Johnson Space Center JSC Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Manned Spacecraft Center NASA Johnson Space Center Space Center Space Center Houston Texas airplane Independence Independence Plaza NASA 905 SCA Shuttle Carrier Aircraft space shuttle