Fuselage Starboard (RT) Side Details

Fuselage Port (LT) Side Details

These photos illustrate the many different types of hinges used on the payload bay doors and the many vents and connectors to be found at the forward end of the fuselage.  The rectangular doors (seen opened and closed) are the payload bay pressure equalization vents.  They ensure that the bay does not become pressurized as the exterior pressure drops during ascent to orbit.   Visible in close up detail are the many quilted thermal blankets that replaced the white tiles which used to cover much of the Shuttles lower temperature areas.  These blankets proved to be more durable and easier to maintain than the delicate foam-ceramic tile assemblies originally installed here.