This is what 'the end' looks like. A special photo op was held at KSC when it moved Shuttles Discovery and Endeavour around, one headed to an Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) and the other to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). Because the Orbiters are in various stages of decommissioning, in preparation for transfer to their respective museum sites, they are missing several major assemblies: The Forward Reaction Control System (RCS), the Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) Pods - on either side of the Vertical Stabilizer (the 'tail') - and the Space Shuttle Main Engines (SSMEs). The yellow structures on top of the Payload Bay Doors are Ground Support Equipment (GSE) used to open/close the doors while on Earth. The door hinge motors are designed to operate only in zero g.
Photo courtesy of Diane Fleming, MSFC Resident Office (KSC-MP04). Diane, a colleague and dear friend of mine, was reponsible for all my access to the facilities and vehicle over the years. Without her support, none of these pictures or galleries would have been possible. For this, I am forever grateful.
