space shuttle question

[duncan1297]

I noticed that in this picture it looks like the RCS system can be removed.

[OtherDalfite]

It actually can. If you look at some pictures of the Space Shuttles in their hangars, you'll see that area is often covered with a plastic sheet. I'm not sure what the point of removing it is, but it's definitely able to be taken off.

[nettcod]

You mean like this?

[Britpoint]

I imagine it just makes it easier to perform maintenance either on or underneath the RCS unit itself.

[Rune]

It lets you safe the vehicle by removing the propellant tanks and lines from it, I think. The propulsion elements are inspected and refurbished somewhere else than the rest of the orbiter, under different safety standards. Like the OMS pods and the main engines.

Rune. It's just an informed assumption, but it sounds reasonable.

[Fuzzy Dunlop]

The rear RCS system is built into the orbital manuvering system pods on each side of the shuttle, these are also detachable.

[nothke]

I noticed that in this picture it looks like the RCS system can be removed.

That whole section is unpressurised, so even EVA repair is theoretically possible. Although it's never been done.