Asri-unix.1225
net.space
utzoo!decvax!cca!sri-unix!A.exp@Berkeley
Wed Apr 14 21:06:26 1982
External tank and solids in payload bay
It is better to haul up solid boosters for the external tank inside
the cargo bay than haul them up on the place on the tank to which
they would be attached.  The latter requires an reconfiguration for 
aerodynamics and balance because nothing is designed to be outside
the present Shuttle body while it goes through the atmosphere into orbit.

The former requires only some bolts on the solid boosters and on the
positions they would be attached to on the external tank, and a control
mechanism to keep the external tank going in the right direction, such
as a gimbal on the mounts.  The Shuttle arm can mount the solid
boosters on the external tank after it is released from the Shuttle.