Rockwell Space Shuttle

Photographer’s remark

OV-103 "Discovery"; 1st launch 08/30/1984 (STS 41-D). Taken under the belly of the beast and facing the nose. The technicians are replacing the reinforced carbon carbon (RCC) nose cone. The dark streaks on the heatshield tiles are caused during reentry to Earth. The darker tiles are new replacements. Workflow as part of ongoing Return to Flight mission of the US orbiter fleet (#103 will be first to launch). Location OPF #3.