The Missile Crawler Transporter Facilities, commonly known as crawler‑transporters, are giant tracked vehicles at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC). Built in 1965 by Marion Power Shovel, with Rockwell components, two of these incredible machines were made for about US $14 million each. That’s around $128.5 million today.
🚚 What They Do
The crawler‑transporters have a big job. They move rockets from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to Launch Complex 39.
For instance, they transported Saturn IB and V rockets during the Apollo and Skylab missions. Later, from 1981 to 2011, they carried Space Shuttles to the launch pad.
Once the rocket is launched, the crawler returns the platform to the VAB. This helps prepare for the next mission.
🏗️ The Crawler Transporter Specifications & Facts
These machines are true giants!
- Mass: Each weighs about 2,721 tons or 6 million pounds.
- Dimensions: They are 40 × 35 m (131 × 114 ft) in size. The deck height adjusts between 6–8 m (20–26 ft).
- Engines:
- 2 × 2,050 kW V16 ALCO diesel engines powering 4 traction generators.
- 2 smaller engines generate 750 kW for jacking, steering, and lighting.
- Traction: 16 electric motors, with 4 motors at each corner.
- Speed:
- Loaded: ~1 km/h (0.6 mph).
- Unloaded: up to ~1.6 km/h (1 mph).
- Fuel: They carry ~19,000 L (5,000 gal) of diesel and burn ~296 L/km (125 gal/mile) when loaded.
🏆 The Crawler Transporter Highlights & Records
From 1965 to 2013, these crawlers were the largest self-powered land vehicles in the world. In 2023, CT‑2 got a Guinness World Record as the heaviest self-powered vehicle.
Additionally, both crawlers were placed on the National Register of Historic Places on January 21, 2000. This proves how important they are to history!
🛠️ The Crawler Transporter Engineering Marvels
These vehicles have advanced features to handle their tough tasks. For example, they use laser-guidance and leveling systems. These systems keep the launch platform’s tilt within ±10 minutes of arc (about 0.16°), even on steep 5% crawlerway grades.
Each track has 57 steel shoes, with each shoe weighing 900 kg (1,984 lb). It’s a real powerhouse of engineering!
🚜 Team Behind the Crawler Transporter
A crawler is run by a crew of around 30 people. They include engineers, technicians, and drivers. The crew works from control cabs at each end, ensuring smooth operations.
🔄 Continued Legacy: Artemis Era
Today, CT‑2 supports NASA’s new Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft for the Artemis missions. CT‑1 is kept as backup. Although there were plans to use it for commercial purposes, it’s still part of NASA’s infrastructure.
🤔 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How fast do the crawler transporters move?
A1: When loaded, they move at about 1 km/h (0.6 mph). When unloaded, they can go up to 1.6 km/h (1 mph).
Q2: What fuels the crawler transporters?
A2: They run on diesel fuel. Each crawler holds ~19,000 L (5,000 gal) of diesel.
Q3: How many people operate the crawler?
A3: Around 30 crew members work on each crawler during operations.
Q4: What rockets have they carried?
A4: They moved Saturn IB/V rockets, Space Shuttles, and now the SLS for Artemis.
Q5: Are they still in use today?
A5: Yes! CT‑2 supports Artemis. CT‑1 is ready as backup.
Q6: What makes them special?
A6: Their size, precision, and historical importance. Plus, they’re listed as a National Historic Landmark.
🌟 In Summary
The Missile Crawler Transporter Facilities are true marvels. They have been around since Apollo’s dawn. Now, they are ready for the Artemis missions. These giants show the world what engineering and teamwork can achieve.
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