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NASA Meatball NASA Dryden Space Shuttle (STS) Mate-Demate Device (MDD) banner
Shuttle Atlantis in Mate-Demate Device being loaded onto SCA-747 for return to Kennedy Space Center - side view with moon in background Shuttle Atlantis in Mate-Demate Device being loaded onto SCA-747 for return to Kennedy Space Center - side view with moon in background
Photo Number: EC96-43493-7
Photo Date: Mar 1996
Formats: 558x480 JPEG Image (107 KBytes)
1190x1024 JPEG Image (496 KBytes)
3030x2606 JPEG Image (3,838 KBytes)
Description: The Space Shuttle Atlantis receives post-flight servicing in the Mate-Demate Device (MDD), following its landing at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California. March 31, 1996.

Once servicing was complete, one of NASA's two 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, No. 905, was readied to ferry Atlantis back to the Kennedy Space Center, FL.

Delivery of Atlantis to Florida was delayed until April 11, 1996, due to an engine warning light that appeared shortly after take off on April 6. The SCA returned to Edwards only minutes after departure. The right inboard engine #3 was exchanged, and the 747 with Atlantis atop was able to depart April 11 for Davis-Monthan Air Force Base for a refueling stop.
Keywords: Space Shuttle (STS) Mate-Demate Device (MDD); Atlantis; 747; SCA; Shuttle Carrier Aircraft

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