Shuttle System

Martin Hayes

Cryogenics Engineer

Which console do you man in the Firing Room?

C4 - Cryogenics

What system(s) do you monitor and control from that console?

LH2 (Hydrogen loading system)

How are those systems used by the Space Shuttle?

The Space Shuttle uses liquid hydrogen for fuel. The hydrogen loading system moves liquid hydrogen from a huge storage tank at the launch pad into the external tank (ET) that is attached to the Space Shuttle for launch. This system includes the hydrogen storage areas at both pads (Pad A & Pad B), and some hardware on all three mobile launch platforms (MLP-1, MLP-2 & MLP-3).

What are your responsibilities with regard to those systems?

The hydrogen group, LH2 for short, is responsible for maintaining all of the systems just mentioned. Although we have contractors to do the bulk of the work, it’s our job to make sure all the work is done properly. That includes maintenance to keep up the system, testing to make sure the system works properly, modifications to improve the system, and fixing the system when something goes wrong.

What was your most exciting or memorable experience while working in the Firing Room?

My most memorable experience in the Firing Room, formally the Launch Control Center (LCC), was the first time I experienced a launch from inside. It’s not as pretty as it is outside. You only see the shuttle briefly as it passes the windows; but the tension is much higher. Everyone is closely watching their systems to make sure nothing happens that will stop the launch.