These pictures were taken in Denver in the Lockheed-Martin "high bay", and show the preparations for moving the spacecraft to the environmental test facility. The spacecraft is moved inside a specially built shipping container (used for the Topex satellite) which is on a flat-bed truck with an air-cushion suspension system to protect the spacecraft from damage on the road. In several of these pictures, the Cassini propulsion module can be seen in the background. |
The high bay - MGS on the right, the flat-bed and Topex shipping container in the middle, the Cassini prop module in the background on the left. (32k JPEG) |
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The spacecraft has been lifted and moved toward the container. (34k JPEG) | ||
To prepare for moving, the spacecraft is carefully covered to protect it from dust abd other contamination. (29k JPEG) |
Another view. The Cassini propulsion module is the tall structure with the silver tank in the background. (34k JPEG) | |||
Engineers begin to attach the lifting cables. Onlookers may be seen above in the viewing gallery. (36k JPEG) |
Nearing the shipping container. (33k JPEG) | |||
More cables are attached. The shipping container is the large white box in the background. (34k JPEG) |
Hoisted up to clear the top of the container. (31k JPEG) |
A long shot showing the S/C, the flat-bed and shipping container, with the Cassini propulsion module on the left. (29k JPEG) | |
Here the spacecraft is being lowered into the shipping container.(24k JPEG) | |
This provides a good view of the main engine and the ring that will attach to the launch vehicle. (29k JPEG | |
Here the spacecraft is in the shipping container, ready to be closed up and transported across the street. (35k JPEG) |
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