NASA/Lori Losey
What do the X-15 and the Space Shuttle have in common? Information from rocket planes and spacecraft, as well as many experimental aircraft, is available at or near NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. was tracked from the pedestal and telemetry antenna during the critical period of .
When NASA facility Administration Building 4800 was constructed in the 1950s, it included infrastructure for securing rooftop pedestals and dishes as the primary method of collecting data from aircraft during flight. Although it was decommissioned in 2015, a recent roof project has given this relic a new accolade to support a number of experimental aircraft, including the lifting-body aircraft, the reverse-swept-wing X-29, and the high-mobility X-29. I was able to move it to another location. 31.
“Collecting telemetry data from aircraft on missions is at the core of what we do. Being so close to the backlight is one of the big advantages of installing rooftop telemetry antennas in the early days. ,” said Bob Gehr, NASA Armstrong Range Operations Director, referring to the area where aircraft taxi from the hangar to the flight line. “We were able to support ground testing and check the airplane before taxiing without using remotely located telemetry antennas.”
The roof plinth was key to the center’s early years, and a 2003 renovation restored its value. This transformation also includes certification to meet the landing requirements of the Space Shuttle program.
“When the space shuttle deorbited from space, it was going over the top of Edwards,” Guerre said. “When the telemetry antenna on the hill near NASA Armstrong looked down, there was dirt and concrete in the background and reflections. The rooftop antenna was close to the ground, and the orbiter was approaching for landing. It provided an excellent link for the shuttle landing.
The pedestal and plate were not removed when it was discontinued due to cost. Currently, as part of a larger project primarily focused on reroofing Building 4800, it is more economical to use a helicopter to remove the plinth from the roof compared to other options. Lifting the pedestal by helicopter took a month to plan, and even longer to obtain the pedestal. NASA Armstrong Roof Project Manager Brian Watters said airspace operations and landing clearance has been obtained from the Air Force for the removal project.
The pedestal and riser were 16 feet above the roof and housed an assembly for rotating a 12-foot dish. The plinth and plate weighed approximately 2,500 pounds together and were removed separately. Crews identified eight bolts securing the pedestal and pan to the roof infrastructure before the helicopter arrived Oct. 3.
The next day, after additional briefings, the helicopter was placed on top of Building 4800 and its cables were lowered and attached to the pedestal. Once it was safe, the helicopter slowly gained altitude and took the passengers to the south side of the building. There it was released from the cable and taken to a nearby warehouse for storage. Roofers tore down the steel platform on which the plinth rested to prepare the area for the new roofing material.
Officials have not decided where the pedestal will be displayed. There are several options for placing the famous decommissioned research aircraft pedestal and plate on display near the NASA Armstrong entrance.
