The Flickr Hightemperaturereusablesurfaceinsulationtiles Image Generatr

So, the NASA "photographic history & archive section/department…individual" (if such/one even exists), and the “NASA on The Commons” buffoons stumbled upon this striking photo, probably/possibly here:
images.nasa.gov/details/81PC0758
and uploaded it today (January 29, 2025), accompanied by the following pablum:

“With the desert sky behind it, the Space Shuttle Columbia and 747/Shuttle Carrier Aircraft are poised for the return flight to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. After the successful first mission of the Space Shuttle, the orbiter was returned from the desert by a piggyback flight where it landed at KSC. Preparations now begin for the second launch.”

Not surprisingly, the above is a standard mindless, copy/paste of a clueless, vague & wrong description. This is obviously a preflight…to any flight, photo of OV-102, likely taken between March 20 - 24, 1979, during the vehicle’s original delivery to KSC.

I wonder how the NASA stooges came up with the photo ID (KSC-81PC-0758) & date in the first place??? 🎯 or 🎲 maybe?

Further, comments were of course disabled for their posting of the image. We wouldn't want constructive criticism or the ability to set the record straight permitted, now would we?

Good grief.

Update: Coincidentally...or not, as of the posting day (January 29, 2025), of this image, “NASA on The Commons” on Flickr went “buh-bye”, for a brief period at least. It's back - in all its "glory", YAY. However, the photo is no longer. Perpetual buffoonery. But hey, at least it's still here:

images.nasa.gov/details/81PC0758

But I digress. In (I’m hoping) proper context, the photo, amongst others, is here:

www.nasa.gov/history/45-years-ago-space-shuttle-columbia-...

Lastly, prompted by Flickr user Dikkie Dick’s comment, I took a closer look at the image. There appear to be a row of hangar doors visible at the lower left, beneath the wing of the SCA. Through my conscientious & earnest research, I came across a photo (of another SCA/Orbiter combo), with similar doors in the background, which would seem to support this photo having been taken at the Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards Air Force Base. Additional stellar research (IMHO) then revealed the combo to be (IMHO II) positioned/photographed at the entrance to the “Weight and Balance Hangar”.

The “Weight and Balance Hangar”:

“Perhaps the most unique of the facilities along Contractor's Row is Building 1830, commonly referred to as the Weight and Balance Hangar. This 300 feet by 400 feet clear-span aircraft hangar is equipped with a large, flush-mounted floor-installed, calibrated scale system to determine an aircraft's gross weight as well as provide data to compute its center of gravity. This capability is available for nearly any size aircraft. The system comprises four tables-arranged in a cruciform pattern each with a 300,000 pound capacity and capable of measuring in 20 pound increments.
The center of gravity computation is performed on the largest of these platforms which provides for longitudinal leveling of aircraft via an electrically controlled vertical adjustment through a range of 69 inches.”

Above, along with the photo I reference, at/from:

www.aftc.af.mil/Portals/55/Documents/Historian/E-Books/Ed...
Credit: Air Force Test Center (AFTC) website

Although I may very well be wrong, it’s better than the crap the NASA dolts attributed to it.

“STS-103 ONBOARD VIEW --- The gold of the solar arrays, illuminated from behind by the sunrise, provides stark contrast to the blackness of space in this scene, photographed at the completion of the servicing of the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Arching between the telescope and one of the solar panels is the thin line of Earth’s atmosphere.”

Dinged upper left corner does not detract.

"Hubble Servicing Mission 3A (STS-103):

December 19-27, 1999
Space Shuttle: Discovery

Crew: Commander Curtis L. Brown, Pilot Scott J. Kelly, Payload Commander Steven L. Smith, Mission Specialists C. Michael Foale, John M. Grunsfield, Claude Nicollier and Jean-Francois Clervoy

NASA decided to split the Servicing Mission 3 (SM3) into two parts, SM3A and SM3B, after the third of Hubble’s six gyroscopes failed. (At that time, Hubble needed three gyroscopes to observe a celestial target.) The second part of the mission, SM3B, took place March 1–12, 2002.

On November 13, 1999, the Hubble Space Telescope was placed into safe mode after the failure of a fourth gyroscope. In safe mode Hubble could not observe targets, but its safety was preserved. This protective mode allows ground control of the telescope, but with only two gyros working, Hubble cannot be aimed with the precision necessary for scientific observations of the sky. Controllers closed the aperture door to protect the optics and aligned the spacecraft to ensure that Hubble’s solar panels would receive adequate power from the Sun.

In the first of the two-part mission, the most pressing task was the replacement of the gyroscopes. The crew, two of whom were Hubble repair veterans, replaced all six gyroscopes — as well as one of Hubble’s three Fine Guidance Sensors, which allow fine pointing and keep Hubble stable during observations, and a transmitter.

The astronauts also installed an advanced central computer, a digital data recorder, an electronics enhancement kit, battery improvement kits, and new outer layers of thermal protection. Hubble was as good as new.

Mission Highlights:

- Replacement of all three Rate Sensing Units (RSUs), each of which contains two gyroscopes

- Installation of new computer, 20 times faster with six times more memory than its predecessor

- Replacement of original reel-to-reel data recorder with digital Solid-State Recorder (SSR) which is faster, more reliable and can store 10 times as much data
- Replacement of no. 2 of 3 Fine Guidance Sensors (FGS) with refurbished unit

- Replacement of failed no. 2 of 2 S-Band Single Access Transmitter (SSAT) used to relay data to the ground

- Installation six Voltage/Temperature Improvement Kits (VIKs) on wiring between Solar Arrays and each battery to control charging of Hubble's batteries

- Installation of Shell/Shield Replacement Fabric (SSRF) over the original Multi-Layer Insulation on Hubble’s forward shell and light shield to add thermal protection

- Installation of Handrail Covers around the handrails above the Fine Guidance Sensor bay to prevent possible contamination to the Aft Shroud area from flaking handrail paint

- Fit New Outer Blanket Layers (NOBLs) on equipment Bay 1"


Mission highlights (in narrative form):

STS-103 restored the Hubble Space Telescope to working order and upgraded some of its systems, allowing the decade-old observatory to get ready to begin its second scheduled decade of astronomical observations.

The first few days of the 8-day mission, the crew prepared for the rendezvous and capture of the Hubble Space Telescope and the three maintenance spacewalks to follow. After a 30-orbit chase Commander Brown and Kelly maneuvered the orbiter to a point directly beneath Hubble, then moved upward toward it. Mission Specialist Clervoy grappled Hubble using the orbiter’s robotic arm and placed it on the Flight Support System in the rear of Discovery’s cargo bay.

EVA No. 1: Mission Specialists Steven Smith and John Grunsfeld conducted the mission’s first spacewalk. The two made numerous repairs, including replacing the telescope’s three Rate Sensor Units — each containing two gyroscopes. They also installed six Voltage/Temperature Improvement Kits between Hubble’s solar panels and its six 10-year-old batteries. The kits, the size of cell telephones, were designed to prevent any overheating or overcharging of those batteries. A few minor objectives were left undone, such as taking close-up photos of the Voltage/Temperature Improvement Kits. The 8-hour, 15-minute spacewalk was second to the longest space walk from Endeavour on STS-49 in May 1992. A few minor problems helped account for the length of the spacewalk. The astronauts had difficulty in removing one of the old RSUs, and opening valves and removing caps on the Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer. The tasks were eventually completed.

EVA No. 2: During the mission’s second spacewalk, Mission Specialists Michael Foale and Claude Nicollier installed a new advanced computer — 20 times faster than Hubble’s old one — and a new, 550-pound fine guidance sensor. This 8-hour, 10-minute spacewalk was the third longest in history. With all major activities accomplished, controllers reported that power was reaching both of the new pieces of equipment. “The brains of Hubble have been replaced,” said Mission Specialist Grunsfeld. About 30 minutes later, Hubble began thinking with those new brains.

EVA No. 3: Smith and Grunsfeld again teamed up to make the mission’s third and final space walk. Like the first two, it also lasted more than 8 hours, making it the fourth longest in history. The team installed a transmitter that sends scientific data from Hubble to the ground. It replaced one that failed in 1998. The astronauts used special tools developed for the task because transmitters, usually very reliable, were not designed to be replaced in orbit. Smith and Grunsfeld also installed a solid-state digital recorder, replacing an older mechanical reel-to-reel recorder.

Hubble was released from Discovery’s cargo bay on Christmas Day.

Mission STS-103 is the third time in the U.S. Space Program that a crew has spent Christmas in space.”

“SPACE SHUTTLE RECOVERS PAYLOAD---With its manipulator arm extended, the Space Shuttle orbiter prepares to retrieve a satellite. A key feature of the Space Shuttle system will be its capability of recovering payloads in orbit for repair or maintenance in space, or for return to Earth. The Space Shuttle orbiter, being developed by Rockwell International Corporation’s Space Division, will be able to return up to 14,545 kilograms (32,000 lbs.) of payload to Earth. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration plans to have Space Shuttle operational by 1980.”

Note the emblem of the United Nations on the satellite. Obviously then, the retrieval of it was because it didn’t work. At the most, if/when it was briefly/sporadically operational, it must have been in a passive capacity, only able to receive or merely reflect/divert ‘signals’, with no ‘transmit’ capability.

One of many superb shuttle/orbiter renderings by Rockwell International’s eminently talented artist, Manuel E. Alvarez.

A truly exquisite depiction of the re-entry of Space Shuttle Columbia (OV-102) during an early mission.

The image was featured in a 1996 NASA/contractor document from 1996, hence my ‘circa date’, supported also (to whatever degree) by the watermark on the verso.

The amazing work is by Mr./Ms. Preston. David Preston Smith? Probably not. However, per the Nimbus Publishing website, he’s “an internationally recognized artist and illustrator. He launched his career with NASA as a concept illustrator..”. At:

nimbus.ca/artists/bio/david-preston-smith

“Orbiter Discovery prepares to land on runway 33 at the Shuttle Landing Facility. Main gear touchdown was at 12:0-4 P.M. EST, landing on orbit 135. Discovery returns to Earth with its crew of seven after successfully completing mission STS-95, lasting nearly nine days and 3.6 million miles. The crew includes Mission Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr.; Pilot Steven W. Lindsey, Mission Specialist Scott E. Parazynski; Mission Specialist Stephen K. Robinson; Mission Specialist Pedro Duque, with the European Space Agency (ESA); Payload Specialist Chiaki Mukai, with the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA); and Payload Specialist John H. Glenn Jr., a senator from Ohio and one of the original seven Project Mercury astronauts. The mission included research payloads such as the Spartan-201 solar- observing deployable spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker, as well as the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process.”

Compare with the online version, at least the one on this photo hosting ‘service’. In essence, it’s the same, with minor nomenclature & punctuation differences (errors?). Notable however is what I interpret as totally downplaying, diminishing actually, Senator Glenn’s significance as a crew member. WRONG answer. He was only one of the most honorable Astronauts ever and a bonafide HERO – by ANY definition.

The automatically recorded film footage of this man’s face/expressions, demeanor/conduct during the MA-6 flight, especially when it’s basically implied that there was a damned good chance he was going to be incinerated during re-entry - epitomizes military bearing, discipline, being a Marine - all of which is expected when you raise your right arm - the RIGHT STUFF +.

Oh yeah, the DEFICIENT caption:

“Orbiter Discovery prepares to land on runway 33 at the Shuttle Landing Facility. Discovery returns to Earth with its crew of seven after successfully completing mission STS-95, lasting nearly nine days and 3.6 million miles. The crew members are Mission Commander Curtis L. Brown Jr., Pilot Steven W. Lindsey, Mission Specialist Scott E. Parazynski, Mission Specialist Stephen K. Robinson, Payload Specialist John H. Glenn Jr., senator from Ohio, Mission Specialist Pedro Duque, with the European Space Agency (ESA), and Payload Specialist Chiaki Mukai, with the National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA). The mission included research payloads such as the Spartan solar- observing deployable spacecraft, the Hubble Space Telescope Orbital Systems Test Platform, the International Extreme Ultraviolet Hitchhiker, as well as the SPACEHAB single module with experiments on space flight and the aging process…”

“Astronauts Steven L. Smith, and John M. Grunsfeld, appear as small figures in this wide scene photographed during extravehicular activity (EVA). On this space walk they are replacing gyroscopes, contained in rate sensor units (RSU), inside the Hubble Space Telescope. A wide expanse of waters, partially covered by clouds, provides the backdrop for the photograph.”

What an amazing recovery the Hubble Space Telescope was. From being the 'spectacle' of an epic blunder, to the brilliant engineering of corrective 'spectacles', resulting in countless 'spectacular' vistas of the heavens.
Bravo to all involved!!!

From the "HUBBLESITE" website:

December 19-27, 1999

SPACE SHUTTLE: Discovery

Crew: Commander Curtis L. Brown, Pilot Scott J. Kelly, Payload Commander Steven L. Smith, Mission Specialists C. Michael Foale, John M. Grunsfield, Claude Nicollier and Jean-Francois Clervoy

NASA decided to split the Servicing Mission 3 (SM3) into two parts, SM3A and SM3B, after the third of Hubble’s six gyroscopes failed. (At that time, Hubble needed three gyroscopes to observe a celestial target.) The second part of the mission, SM3B, took place March 1–12, 2002.

On November 13, 1999, the Hubble Space Telescope was placed into safe mode after the failure of a fourth gyroscope. In safe mode Hubble could not observe targets, but its safety was preserved. This protective mode allows ground control of the telescope, but with only two gyros working, Hubble cannot be aimed with the precision necessary for scientific observations of the sky. Controllers closed the aperture door to protect the optics and aligned the spacecraft to ensure that Hubble’s solar panels would receive adequate power from the Sun.

In the first of the two-part mission, the most pressing task was the replacement of the gyroscopes. The crew, two of whom were Hubble repair veterans, replaced all six gyroscopes — as well as one of Hubble’s three Fine Guidance Sensors, which allow fine pointing and keep Hubble stable during observations, and a transmitter.

The astronauts also installed an advanced central computer, a digital data recorder, an electronics enhancement kit, battery improvement kits, and new outer layers of thermal protection. Hubble was as good as new.

Mission Highlights:

- Replacement of all three Rate Sensing Units (RSUs), each of which contains two gyroscopes

- Installation of new computer, 20 times faster with six times more memory than its predecessor

- Replacement of original reel-to-reel data recorder with digital Solid State Recorder (SSR) which is faster, more reliable and can store 10 times as much data

- Replacement of #2 of 3 Fine Guidance Sensors (FGS) with refurbished unit

- Replacement of failed #2 of 2 S-Band Single Access Transmitter (SSAT) used to relay data to the ground

- Installation six Voltage/Temperature Improvement Kits (VIKs) on wiring between Solar Arrays and each battery to control charging of Hubble's batteries

- Installation of Shell/Shield Replacement Fabric (SSRF) over the original Multi-Layer Insulation on Hubble’s forward shell and light shield to add thermal protection

- Installation of Handrail Covers around the handrails above the Fine Guidance Sensor bay to prevent possible contamination to the Aft Shroud area from flaking handrail paint
- Fit New Outer Blanket Layers (NOBLs) on equipment Bay 1

Above at:

hubblesite.org/mission-and-telescope/servicing-missions
Credit: HUBBLESITE (Hubble Space Telescope) website

Also:

www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/hubble/servicing/index.html

"Shuttle Orbiter Columbia aboard 747 jet transport touches down on KSC's Shuttle Landing Facility." --- for the very first time. Note the T-38 escort visible between Columbia’s tail cone & the vertical stabilizer of the SCA.

www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/02/space-shuttle-columbia-a-...
Credit: NASA Spaceflight website

www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/history/50thgallery/19...

www.nasa.gov/feature/40-years-ago-space-shuttle-columbia-...

“Assembly of the first Space Shuttle vehicle, scheduled to make its first orbital test flight in March, 1981, was completed today with the mating of the Orbiter Columbia to its external tank in the Vehicle Assembly Building’s High Bay 3. Columbia, shown here still attached to its hoisting sling, was moved to the VAB on November 24 having completed tests and tile installation in the adjacent Orbiter Processing Facility. The other Shuttle components, the twin solid rocket boosters and the external propellant tank were stacked on the Mobile Launcher Platform in High Bay 3 in January and November of this year, respectively. The current schedule calls for the rollout of the assembled Space Shuttle to Pad A at Launch Complex 39 shortly after Christmas.”

Although printed on the verso of the photo, and while informative, the above doesn't correctly describe the content. The only thing the orbiter is attached to is the external tank, not the hoisting sling.

A unique high-angle view of the Space Shuttle (artist's concept). The Orbiter, still attached to the External Tank (ET) as the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRBs) are jettisoned, climbs upward to begin its Earth orbital mission.

Being at the hands of a Rockwell International artist (as I recall), the detail of this meticulous work is very impressive.

Used as the cover of "NASA FACTS: The Shuttle Era, NF-127/3-81":

crgis.ndc.nasa.gov/crgis/images/6/69/NF-127-3-81.pdf

Spectacular view inside the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), of Space Shuttle Columbia (OV-102) lifted for mating to the External Tank (ET), in preparation for either STS-1 or STS-2. Despite my confidence in [STS] vehicle identification having been recently shattered, I'm gonna say it's STS-1. You know...these shuttles all start looking alike to me after awhile. ;-)

An informative well-written read - with an additional photo that seems to kinda, sorta, maybe? support it being STS-1...but again, who knows:

www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/02/space-shuttle-columbia-a-...
Credit: NASA Spaceflight.com/Chris Gebhardt

Slow, but cool:

youtu.be/uGiWNc0GBJI
Credit: Steven Jochums

Detailed view of Space Shuttle Columbia (OV-102) being prepared for mating to the External Tank (ET), in preparation for the STS-2 mission.
Multiple cool & important parts of the vehicle are visible: the Thermal Protection System (TPS) tiles; the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) nozzle ends; the two opened External Tank (ET) umbilical doors, and within them, the feedline points of connection; the body flap; and the Orbital Maneuvering System (OMS) Pod's red-capped aft Reaction Control System (RCS) nozzles. Although not actually part of the vehicle, the two gentlemen in the cherry picker bucket are probably important too.
The rectangular outlines of the main landing gear doors are visible along the top edge of the photo.

Above corrected per Comment discussion/thread.

Lastly, note what appears to be a combination of exposed Strain Isolation Pads (SIP) and Filler Bars at the trailing edge of the inboard port elevon. Plastic(?)-covered to prevent particulate ‘contamination’?

Excellent view from within the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) of Space Shuttle Columbia (OV-102) lifted for mating to the External Tank (ET), in preparation for either the STS-1 or STS-2 mission. A couple of Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) segments can be seen in the left foreground, in the transfer aisle.

An informative well-written read - with an additional photo that seems to kinda, sorta, maybe? support it being STS-1...but who knows:

www.nasaspaceflight.com/2011/02/space-shuttle-columbia-a-...
Credit: NASA Spaceflight.com/Chris Gebhardt

Slow, but cool:

youtu.be/uGiWNc0GBJI
Credit: Steven Jochums

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Udvar-Hazy Center