APOLLO MISSION CONTROL PHOTO PLUS

The shuttle program's Approach and Landing Tests (ALT)

The shuttle program's Approach and Landing Tests (ALT) will be held at the Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, in early 1977. During the nearly one year-long series of tests, Enterprise was taken aloft on the SCA to study the aerodynamics of the mated vehicles and, in a series of five free flights, tested the glide and landing characteristics of the orbiter prototype. The main engine area on the aft end of Enterprise will be covered during captive flights with a tail cone to reduce aerodynamic drag that affects the horizontal tail of the SCA, on which tip fins have been installed to increase stability when the aircraft carries an orbiter. The Space Shuttle Approach and Landings Tests (ALT) program allowed pilots and engineers to learn how the Space Shuttle and the modified Boeing 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) handled during low-speed flight and landing. The Enterprise, a prototype of the Space Shuttles, and the SCA were flown to conduct the approach and landing tests at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, from February to October 1977. The first flight of the program consisted of the Space Shuttle Enterprise attached to the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. These flights were to determine how well the two vehicles flew together. Five "captive-inactive" flights were flown during this first phase in which there was no crew in the Enterprise. The next series of captive flights was flown with a flight crew of two on board the prototype Space Shuttle. Only three such flights proved necessary. This led to the free-flight test series. The free-flight phase of the ALT program allowed pilots and engineers to learn how the Space Shuttle handled in low-speed flight and landing attitudes. For these landings, the Enterprise was flown by a crew of two after it was released from the top of the SCA. The vehicle was released at altitudes ranging from 19,000 to 26,000 feet. The Enterprise had no propulsion system, but its first four glides to the Rogers Dry Lake runway provided realistic, in-flight simulations of how subsequent Space Shuttles would be flown at the end of an orbital mission. The fifth approach and landing test, with the Enterprise landing on the Edwards Air Force Base concrete runway, revealed a problem with the Space Shuttle flight control system that made it susceptible to Pilot-Induced Oscillation (PIO), a potentially dangerous control problem during a landing. Further research using other NASA aircraft, especially the F-8 Digital-Fly-By-Wire aircraft, led to correction of the PIO problem before the first orbital flight. The Enterprise's last free-flight was October 26, 1977, after which it was ferried to other NASA centers for ground-based flight simulations that tested Space Shuttle systems and structure.

£7.95

For both NASA glossy photographs

Dryden Flight Research Center

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photographs

NASA No. MSFC 7-76847

15 November 1976

These two photographic images (not concepts) shows the Space Shuttle Orbiter hanger and mate/de-mate stand in relation to taxiways and other buildings at the Dryden Flight Research Center (DFRC). The new Orbiter facilities are north of the DFRC administration building. The stand is to be used for hoisting the Orbiter atop its Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), a modified Boeing 747, for unmanned then manned captive and drop test flights.

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph Goes with the above photo

Dryden Flight Research Center - Goes along with the above photograph.

NASA No. MSFC 7-76843

This artist's concept shows the Shuttle Orbiter Landing "deadstick" on Runway 17 at Edwards Air Force Base. The sketch at right shows the location of the EAFB runways in relation to the Oribiter's hangar and mate / de-mate stand at Dryden Flight Research Center.

Both very fine vintage NASA glossy photographs are in near mint condition.

£8.95

ALT Pilot Joe H. Engle

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. S-76-27133

20 July 1976

Astronaut Joe Engle evaluates the Shuttle Flight Control Systems on the Crew Procedures Evaluation Simulator in Building 5 at JSC during Shuttle Orbiter ALT training.

This fine vintage NASA glossy photograph is in very good condition.

£8.95

Flying Shuttle Flight Simulator (STA)

10 x 8 Colour NASA Photograph

The Space Shuttle's pilots practice their approach and landing routines aboard a flying simulator - the Shuttle Trainer Aircraft (STA 946). A modified version of the Gulfstream II, a twin-engine executive jet, the Shuttle Trainer Aircraft (STA) was built for NASA by Grumman Aerospace Corporation. The STA simulates the Shuttle's powerless handling characteristics and flight trajectory during approach and landing when the Shuttle returns from space.

This fine vintage NASA colour photograph is in near mint condition.

£7.95

Truly & Young Training In The STA 946

10 x 8 Colour NASA Photograph

9 April 1981

With a couple of T-38 chase jets watching over the STA 946 (Shuttle Training Jet), Astronauts John Young and Richard Truly practice approaches over the Cape's shuttle runway. The Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA 946) is a modified Grumman Gulf-stream jet which has been reconfigured so the left cockpit seat simulates the Space Shuttle Orbiter.

This very fine vintage colour NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£8.95

Truly Exits The Shuttle Landing Training

10 x 8 Colour NASA Photograph

NASA No. 108-KSC-81PC-309

9 April 1981

Astronaut Richard Truly walks from the Shuttle Training Aircraft (STA 946) following a series of practice approaches over the Cape's shuttle runway with Astronaut John Young. The Shuttle Training Aircraft is a modified Grumman Gulf-stream jet which has been reconfigured so the left cockpit seat simulates the Space Shuttle Orbiter.

This very fine vintage colour NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£5.95

Enterprise On Its Way To Dryden

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. MSFC 7-78480

7 February 1977

Riding a special 90-wheel trailer rig, NASA's Orbiter 101 was moved overland from Rockwell International assembly plant at Palmdale to the Dryden Flight Research Centre at Edwards, Calif. The 122 foot long space plane completed the 35 mile trip in less than 12 hours.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£6.95

Enterprise First Mating To Its SCA

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. MSFC 77-78482

February 1977

The 122 foot long Space Shuttle was successfully mated to the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Centre, Edwards, Calif. last night for the first time. The Orbiter, a combination spacecraft and airplane, will undergo its Approach and Landing Tests here during the next year. The 747 will be used to carry the 150,000 lbs Orbiter to altitudes of approximately 25,000 feet where the Orbiter will be air-launched for free flight. The Orbiter was hoisted in a specially designed Mate-Demate facility and the 747 was towed underneath. The Orbiter was then lowered and mated to the 747 SCA at three attach points.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£6.95

Enterprise First Captive Flight

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. MSFC 77-77850

18 February 1977

A modified Boeing 747, Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), is taking the unmanned Space Shuttle Orbiter Enterprise on its first flight at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Centre, Edwards AFB. This photograph was taken from the T-38 chase plane during the first approach and landing test on Feb. 18, which was performed as planned. The mated craft climbed to an altitude of 25,000 feet and flew three circuits around a race track trajectory approx. 55 nautical miles by 15 nautical miles. The first captive manned flight of the Orbiter is scheduled for May 1977.

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£6.95

Enterprise First Captive Flight #2

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. MSFC 77-78517

18 February 1977

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£6.95

Enterprise First Captive Flight #3

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. MSFC 77-77849

18 February 1977

This very fine vintage glossy NASA photograph is in near mint condition.

£6.95

1st ALT Captive Flight

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. MSFC 7-77844

18 February 1977

NASA's Shuttle Orbiter Enterprise is mated to a 747 aircraft which lifted off the runway at Edwards Air Force Base at 8:30 a.m. on February 18, 1977, for the first captive flight over the Mojave Dessert. The Orbiter, about the size of a DC-9 commercial jet, weights 67,500 kilograms and measures 37.2 meters. Six captive, unmanned flights are to be followed by manned captive flights and then manned free flights are scheduled to begin in the summer of 1977. this photo was taken from a T-38 chase plane. Another T-38 is visible at the lower left in this view.

This fine vintage NASA glossy photograph is in near mint condition.

£5.95

1st ALT Captive Flight #2

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. MSFC 7-77848

18 February 1977

Looking like an airliner with an extra set of wings, the shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) flies smoothly with the Space Shuttle Enterprise riding piggyback.

This fine vintage NASA glossy photograph is in near mint condition.

£6.95

1st ALT Captive Flight #3

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. MSFC 7-78871

18 February 1977

Looking like an airliner with an extra set of wings, the shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) flies smoothly with the Space Shuttle Enterprise riding piggyback.

This fine vintage NASA glossy photograph is in near mint condition.

£7.95

Shuttle Orbiter ALT Captive Flight

10 x 8 Colour NASA Photograph

NASA No. S-77-21277

February 1977

The Shuttle Orbiter Enterprise onboard NASA's 905 carrier aircraft during one of six captive flight over the southern California desert.

This fine vintage NASA colour photograph is in very good condition.

SOLD

Shuttle Orbiter ALT Captive Flight #2

10 x 8 Colour NASA Photograph

NASA No. S-77-21322

February 1977

The Shuttle Orbiter Enterprise onboard NASA's 905 carrier aircraft during one of six captive flight over the southern California desert.

This fine vintage NASA colour photograph is in very good condition.

£7.95

Shuttle Orbiter ALT Captive Flight #3

10 x 8 Colour NASA Photograph

NASA No. S-77-22753

February 1977

The Shuttle Orbiter Enterprise onboard NASA's 905 carrier aircraft during one of six captive flight over the southern California desert.

This fine vintage NASA colour photograph is in very good condition.

£5.95

Shuttle Orbiter ALT Captive Flight #4

10 x 8 Colour NASA Photograph

February 1977

The Shuttle Orbiter Enterprise onboard NASA's 905 carrier aircraft during one of six captive flight over the southern California desert.

This fine vintage NASA colour photograph is in very good condition.

£6.95

1st ALT Free Flight Landing

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. MSFC 7-83187

12 August 1977

Space Shuttle orbiter Enterprise touches donw in a perfect landing in its first free flight test on the dry lake bed at the Dryden Flight Research Centre in California. Astronauts Fred Haise and Gordon Fullerton were at the controls of the 75-ton orbiter and enthusiastically marked the flight as a success.

This fine vintage NASA glossy photograph is in near mint condition.

£7.95

ALT-2 Crew

STS-2 And ALT-2 Prime Crew

10 x 8 B/W Glossy NASA Photograph

NASA No. 76-H-708

1976

The second Shuttle (STS-2) prime crew Joe Engle and Richard Truly. As it would be they were the second Approach & Landing Test (ALT-2) crew as well. Second time lucky for both of them each time.

This very fine vintage NASA glossy photograph is in near mint condition.

£7.95

2nd Free Flight On Piggy Back

10 x 8 Colour NASA Photograph

NASA No. S-77-28139

13 September 1977

The Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" rides "piggy-back" atop the NASA 747 carrier aircraft during the second free flight of the Shuttle Approach and Landing Tests (ALTs) conducted on September 13, 1977 at Dryden Flight Research Centre in Southern California. One chase plane can be seen in the left background, another appearing to be directly under the Boeing 747. Astronauts Joe H. Engle, and Richard H. Truly were the crew of the "Enterprise." The ALT free flights are designed to verify Orbiter subsonic airworthiness, integrated systems operations and pilot-guided approach and landing capability and satisfying prerequisites to automatic flight control and navigation mode.

This fine vintage NASA colour photograph is in very good condition.

SOLD

2nd Free Flight Soars Above The 747

10 x 8 Colour NASA Photograph

NASA No. S-77-28137

13 September 1977

The Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" soars above the NASA 747 carrier aircraft during the second free flight of the Shuttle Approach and Landing Tests (ALTs) conducted on September 13, 1977 at Dryden Flight Research Centre in Southern California. Astronauts Joe H. Engle, and Richard H. Truly were the crew of the "Enterprise."

This fine vintage NASA colour photograph is in very good condition.

£7.95

2nd Free Flight Makes A Banked Turn

10 x 8 Colour NASA Photograph

NASA No. S-77-28141

13 September 1977

The Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" makes a turn and bank manoeuvre during the second free flight of the Shuttle Approach and Landing Tests (ALTs) conducted on September 13, 1977 at Dryden Flight Research Center in Southern California. The "Enterprise" separated form the NASA 747 carrier aircraft and after a five-minute, 28-second un-powered flight landed on a runway below. Astronauts Joe H. Engle, and Richard H. Truly were the crew of the "Enterprise."

This fine vintage NASA colour photograph is in very good condition.

£7.95

2nd Free Flight

10 x 8 Colour NASA Photograph

NASA No. S-77-28282

13 September 1977

The Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" is seen during the second free flight of the Shuttle Approach and Landing Tests conducted on September 13, 1977 at Dryden Flight Research Centre in Southern California. The "Enterprise" separated form the NASA 747 carrier aircraft and after a five-minute, 28-second un-powered flight landed on a runway below. Astronauts Joe H. Engle, and Richard H. Truly were the crew of the "Enterprise."

This fine vintage NASA colour photograph is in very good condition.

£7.95

2nd Free Flight ALT Landing

10 x 8 Colour NASA Photograph

NASA No. S-77-28327

13 September 1977

The Shuttle Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" stirs up a cloud of desert sand and dust as it lands at Edwards Air Force Base to conclude a five-minute, 31-second un-powered flight during the second free-flight of the Shuttle Approach and and Landing Test (ALT) series, on September 13, 1977. On the right a T-38 chase plane comes in for a landing, also. Astronauts Joe H. Engle, commander, and Richard H. Truly, pilot, were the crewmen for the flight.

This fine vintage NASA colour photograph is in very good condition.

SOLD

3rd ALT Free Flight Orbiter And Crew

10 x 8 Colour NASA Photograph

NASA No. S-77-28538

23 September 1977

The Space Shuttle Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" is parked on the runway at Edwards Air Force Base following a five-minute, 34-second un-powered mission during the third free flight of the Space Shuttle Approach and Landing Test (ALT) series, on September 23, 1977. The two Orbiter 101 crewmen are in the insert, Astronauts Fred W. Haise Jr. (left), commander, and C. Gordon Fullerton, pilot.

This fine vintage NASA colour photograph is in very good condition.

SOLD

3rd ALT Free Flight Landing

10 x 8 Colour NASA Photograph

NASA No. S-77-28540

23 September 1977

The Shuttle Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" approaches touchdown on the runway at Edwards Air Force Base to conclude a five-minute, 34-second un-powered flight during the third free-flight of the Shuttle Approach and and Landing Test (ALT) series, on September 23, 1977. Three T-38 chase planes follow close by. Astronauts Fred W. Haise,Jr., commander, and C. Gordon Fullerton, pilot, were the crewmen for the flight.

This fine vintage NASA colour photograph is in very good condition.

£7.95

4th ALT Free Flight

10 x 8 Colour NASA Photograph

NASA No. S-77-28976

12 October 1977

The fourth Approach and Landing Test (ALT) free flight is seen soaring high above the desert with its chase planes close at hand. Note that the tail cone is removed from the Enterprise for this flight, which featured a two-minute, 34 second un-powered phase after the Orbiter separated from NASA 905 mother ship.

This fine vintage NASA colour photograph is in very good condition.

£7.95

4th ALT Free Flight #2

10 x 8 Colour NASA Photograph

NASA No. S-77-28977

12 October 1977

This fine vintage NASA colour photograph is in very good condition.

£7.95

4th ALT Free Flight On Approach

10 x 8 Colour NASA Photograph

NASA No. S-77-28963

12 October 1977

Facilities on a part of the huge Edwards Air Force Base in the desert land of Southern California form the backdrop for the Space Shuttle Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" as it heads for a landing during the fourth Approach and Landing Test (ALT) free flight. Note that the tail cone is removed from the Enterprise for this flight, which featured a two-minute, 34 second un-powered phase after the Orbiter separated from NASA 905, a 747 carrier aircraft. Crewmen for this flight were Astronauts Joe H. Engle, commander; and Richard H. Truly, pilot.

This fine vintage NASA colour photograph is in very good condition.

£7.95

4th Free Flight On Approach #2

10 x 8 Colour NASA Photograph

NASA No. S-77-28966

12 October 1977

The Space Shuttle Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" heads towards landing at Edwards Air Force Base following a two-minute, 34-second un-powered phase of the fourth Approach and Landing Test (ALT) free flight on October 12, 1977. In preparation for conditions of actual Space Shuttle flights, this mission marked the first one in which the Orbiter went up minus tail cone. Two chase planes are seen following the craft on its approach. Inside the Enterprise were Astronauts Joe H. Engle, flight commander, and Richard H. Truly, pilot.

This fine vintage NASA colour photograph is in very good condition.

£7.95

4th ALT Free Flight Enterprise Parked

10 x 8 Colour NASA Photograph

NASA No. S-77-28962

12 October 1977

The Space Shuttle Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" is parked on the runway at Edwards Air Force Base following completion of a successful "tail cone off" free flight on October 12, 1977. This was the first Space Shuttle Approach and Landing Test (ALT) free flight without the tail cone but the fourth of five scheduled manned un-powered missions at Dryden Flight Research Centre (DFRC). The two Orbiter 101 crewmen are Astronauts Joe H. Engle, commander, and Richard H. Truly, pilot.

This fine vintage NASA colour photograph is in very good condition.

SOLD

5th ALT Free Flight On Approach

10 x 8 Colour NASA Photograph

NASA No. S-77-30157

26 October 1977

Having separated from the NASA 905, a 747 carrier aircraft, the Space Shuttle Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" heads toward its first hard surface landing at Edwards Air Force Base followed by the two T-38 chase planes. The flight is the fifth and final free flight in the 13-flight Approach and Landing Test (ALT) program. Astronauts Fred W. Haise Jr., commander, and C. Gordon Fullerton, pilot, controlled the Orbiter during its two-minute, one-second un-powered phase.

This fine vintage NASA colour photograph is in very good condition.

SOLD

5th ALT Free Flight On Approach #2

10 x 8 Colour NASA Photograph

NASA No. S-77-30023

26 October 1977

Having separated from the NASA 905, a 747 carrier aircraft, the Space Shuttle Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" glides toward its first hard surface landing at Edwards Air Force Base. The flight is the fifth and final free flight in the 13-flight Approach and Landing Test (ALT) program. Five captive/inert and three captive/active missions preceded the free flight series. Astronauts Fred W. Haise Jr., commander, and C. Gordon Fullerton, pilot, controlled the Orbiter during its two-minute, one-second un-powered phase.

This fine vintage NASA colour photograph is in very good condition.

£7.95

5th ALT Free Flight - Hard Surface Landing

10 x 8 Colour NASA Photograph

NASA No. S-77-30393

26 October 1977

Having separated from the NASA 905, a 747 carrier aircraft, the Space Shuttle Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" glides toward its first hard surface landing at Edwards Air Force Base. The flight is the fifth and final free flight in the 13-flight Approach and Landing Test (ALT) program. Five captive/inert and three captive/active missions preceded the free flight series. Astronauts Fred W. Haise Jr., commandor, and C. Gordon Fullerton, pilot, controlled the Orbiter during its two-minute, one-second un-powered phase. This photograph was taken from one of the T-38 chase planes that followed the flight.

This fine vintage NASA colour photograph is in very good condition.

£7.95

5th ALT Free Flight Landing

10 x 8 Colour NASA Photograph

NASA No. S-78-30159

26 October 1977

The Space Shuttle Orbiter 101 "Enterprise" is just a few feet away from landing on a hard surface runway at Edwards Air Force Base to complete the current Approach and Landing Test (ALT) series of free flights. This flight marked the first occasion to land the Orbiter on a conventional runway, all other flights landed on dry lake beds at Edwards. Astronauts Fred W. Haise Jr., commander, and C. Gordon Fullerton, pilot, controlled the Orbiter during its two-minute, one-second un-powered phase. This photograph was taken from one of the T-38 chase planes that followed the flight.

This fine vintage NASA colour photograph is in very good condition.

SOLD

5th ALT Free Flight Landing #2

10 x 8 Colour NASA Photograph

NASA No. S-77-30159

26 October 1977

This fine vintage NASA colour photograph is in very good condition.

Thank you for viewing - I will be adding more Vintage Shuttle Photographs soon.

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