Hillsboro, OR – 14 March, 2021 – Entro Industries has been selected by Dynetics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Leidos, to build the Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Transporter for the Universal Stage Adapter (USA). The USA will fly aboard NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS).

In March 2019, Entro Industries was approached by Dynetics to develop concepts and review feasibility for a GSE transporter to safely move the USA, which will serve as the main structure that will allow NASA to carry cargo on SLS missions that also send astronauts inside the Orion spacecraft to the Moon.

The USA GSE Transporter is designed to safely move the adapter over the road and by barge from their manufacturing facility in Decatur, Ala., to test facilities, and finally to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The custom-engineered transporter is 48 feet long, with a custom 20-foot wide hydraulic suspension axle system, and also has a unique support system that isolates the USA from external transportation loading, allowing Entro to build a smaller, lighter transporter.

Figure 1. Rendering of Nasa Space Launch Transporter carrying the Universal Stage Adapter.

“Our teams in Hillsboro, Ore., and Kelso, Wash., have been innovative in the design approach of the Universal Stage Adapter GSE Transporter, ensuring that the design is rooted in solid engineering,” said Shawn Smith, president of Entro Industries.

The 29-foot diameter aft cover is integrated into the transporter design. An environmental control system maintains general cleanliness inside the USA during transportation. The transporter is enabled by Entro's hydraulically powered lifting systems.

Figure 2. An integrated generator and hydraulic power unit provide independent mobility for the Universal Stage Adapter.

The integral hydraulic power unit and generator are carried on the transporter to ensure that it is self-sufficient when moving from buildings, during road transport, and then on and off of barge transport.

The USA GSE Transporter is expected to deliver to Dynetics’ new Aerospace Structures Complex in Decatur, in the spring of 2021.

For more information on on the Space Launch System, visit NASA's site at www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/sls/

About Entro Industries
Entro Industries is a global leader in developing custom-engineered solutions. Our customer-centered approach allows us to create simple solutions to your complex problems. We focus on solutions for moving large structures, machinery, and materials for both short and long distances as well as a variety of terrain. Our experience in working with clients in oil and gas, aerospace, mining, power generation, civil and construction, and materials handling has allowed us to successfully execute some of the most challenging projects in the world. Visit us at www.entro-eng.com