Pathfinder

Artifact — Date: 2015 | Photo by: Chris Griffith

Originally created as a 'size-weight' analog to test cranes and ground support equipment at Marshal Space Flight Center, it was 'dressed up' for a trip to and display in Japan. It returned in 1988 and placed on display at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. It was mounted on the Main Propulsion Test Article-External Tank (MPTA-ET) and two filament-wound Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) casings, which had been designed for polar-orbit launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base (now Space Force Base). It was given the honorary designation 'OV-098' after its retirement.

Type: Orbiter
Kind: Test Model
Vehicle: OV-098*
Flight: Pathfinder
Location: U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama

Older Display

Location: U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama
Date: 2015
Photos by: Chris Griffith