SPACE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
STS-26 · Return to flight · 1988
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This interactive visual study combines NASA’s Space Shuttle (D) and Space Shuttle Parts models with a reconstructed Discovery nose and cockpit based on STS-26 photographs. Use Nose detail for a close view. Drag to orbit, scroll or pinch to zoom, and use the slider to separate the major assemblies.
The separation paths are an explanatory exploded view, not a real maintenance or assembly procedure. Component placement and door hinges are approximate. Engine motion is illustrative; no propulsion, fluid, thermal, or flight physics are calculated. This is not an engineering-certified model or an exact mission configuration.
The new forward fuselage follows cross sections sampled from the NASA model, with six forward window panes, two overhead panes, and recessed forward reaction-control nozzles. Its 4K surface atlas is newly authored: fine tile seams, window dimensions, and nozzle positions are reference-guided approximations, not a survey of individual tiles. Use Crew cabin to inspect a newly modeled two-deck interior. The cutaway removes exterior structure, roof and near-side walls for visibility. NASA crew-module diagrams guide the arrangement; lockers, seats, dimensions and panel details are approximate. NASA photographs now supply the instrument faces, CRT surrounds, breaker banks and selected locker finishes. The galley is represented by a labeled cabinet; its oblique photographic overlays have been removed. Cabinet surfaces, panel backs and exposed hard surfaces share a subtle satin painted-metal finish, with brighter aluminum-like trim. These finishes are visual approximations. Photographs date from Discovery missions in 1990–1999; they are mapped to reconstructed geometry and do not establish the STS-26 equipment arrangement. CRTs retain the dark screens visible in the source image; controls are not operable. Fabric weave uses a generic CC0 material, with modeled seat piping, cabinet hardware and surface relief. Generic diagrams include later mission arrangements, so this is not a verified STS-26 cabin inventory. The wings, fuselage, underside, tail, maneuvering pods, and doors now have newly authored tile and blanket surfaces, with separate radiator detail and sharper period markings. The original aft geometry remains the dimensional guide; the complete stack is not an exact STS-26 configuration.
Canadarm is modeled with its nominal 15.2-metre reach, shoulder, elbow and wrist joints, cameras and a wire-snare end effector. Deployment is illustrative and is sequenced with the bay doors. Its inclusion in this STS-26 study follows the cited mission account; the exact arm installation and deployment pose have not been independently verified from mission configuration drawings.
The 747 carrier view reconstructs NASA 905 in its 1988 ferry configuration, with mounting supports, auxiliary tail fins, extended landing gear and an orbiter tail cover. NASA records Discovery’s return to KSC on October 8, after STS-26. Overall carrier dimensions follow NASA’s fact sheet; surface geometry, markings, supports and tail-cover fit are visual approximations, not engineering drawings or a flight simulation.
Engine detail shows a separate main-engine construction study at approximately the NASA overall dimensions: 4.27 metres long with a 2.29-metre nozzle exit. The major component arrangement follows NASA / HAER recordation drawings. STS-26 introduced the Phase II engines; these later drawings include subsequent upgrades. The geometry, pipe routing, injector pattern, pump internals and metallic finishes are reconstructed and simplified, not exact Phase II hardware. Cutaway removes the near half of selected housings. Separated view is explanatory, not a maintenance procedure. No combustion or fluid simulation is performed.
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