WIKIARCHIVES.SPACE

In the Multi-Payload Processing Facility (MPPF), the two primary payloads for Space Shuttle Mission STS-80 are being readied for transfer to the launch pad. Here, workers prepare the Wake Shield Facility-3 (WSF-3) for lifting and installation in the Payload Canister Transporter. The WSF-3 underwent preflight assembly and checkout in NASA's Building AE on Cape Canaveral Air Station, and was then transferred to the MPPF for installation in the canister. Already in the canister is the other primary payload, the Orbiting and Retrievable Far and Extreme Ultraviolet Spectrograph-Shuttle Pallet Satellite-II (ORFEUS-SPAS-II). The payloads will be taken to Launch Pad 39B to await installation in the payload bay of the Space Shuttle Columbia, due to roll out to the pad on Oct. 16. Liftoff on the final Shuttle flight of 1996 is set for Nov. 8.