504c Crew Module Mock-up - US Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville, AL
N 34° 42.615 W 086° 39.259
16S E 531654 N 3840966
The 504c Crew Module Mock-up test article on static display at the US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville AL
Waymark Code: WMWXKN
Location: Alabama, United States
Date Posted: 10/26/2017
Views: 2
There are several static aircraft and spacecraft on display outside of the main exhibit building at the US Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville AL.
The waymarked module mock-up is located near the Saturn V rocket engine.
Its sign reads as follows:
"LOCKHEED MARTIN 504c
CREW MODULE MOCK-UP
The Orion spacecraft, also known as the Multi Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) is a key element of NASA’s plan to send human explorers to the moon, Mars, and beyond. Designed by Lockheed Martin, Orion will carry up to 6 astronauts.
In February 2005, this 504c Crew Module Mock-Up test article underwent a series of water landing tests at the Madison quarry in Madison, AL. The capsule is constructed of hand laid-up fiberglass face sheets with a Nomex honeycomb core. To mimic a crude capsules weight and center of gravity, the Bible foresee includes a ballast system consisting of a steel tube filled with steel plates secured inside the capsule. The Launch Abort System truss and rocket are mock-ups.
During the design and development of the MPCV, accurate impact load predictions were required to assess the ability of the crew and structure to withstand water landings. By validating the tools and processes required for these critical tests, the MPCV team applied what was learned during the capsule drop tests to help ensure the safe return of our astronauts.
Length: (of capsule only) 9ft (2.7m)
Diameter: 12.5ft (1.8m)
Weight: 9718 lbs. (4408 kg)
Contractors:
Lockheed Martin Corporation (integration design and testing)
Griffon Aerospace (fabrication)"
Type of Aircraft: (make/model): Lockheed-Martin 504c Crew Module
Construction:: original aircraft
Location (park, airport, museum, etc.): US Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville AL
inside / outside: outside
Access restrictions:
Open 7 days a week, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Tickets required
Tail Number: (S/N): Not listed
Other Information:: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Photo of aircraft (required - will be interesting to see if the aircraft is ever repainted or progress if being restored)
Photo of serial number (required unless there is not one or it is a replica)
Photo(s) of any artwork on the aircraft (optional but interesting)
Tell why you are visiting this waymark along with any other interesting facts or personal experiences about the aircraft not already mentioned.