The Ground Umbilical Carrier Plate provides one of the critical connections between the shuttle and the launch pad. The GUCP, pronounced 'Gup,' helps funnel gaseous hydrogen from the external tank into a system of pipes that safely burns off the excess fuel. Launch controllers track the readings from sensors on the GUCP for signs of a hydrogen leak. When readings are outside the limits, the countdown is halted so technicians can make repairs.
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NASA ID
ksc_110510_sts133_gucp
Date Created
November 5, 2010
Center
KSC
Media Type
video
Photographer
NASA
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