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The rectangular umbilical connection and the S-shaped engine compartment conditioning duct (from this angle, it almost appears as though the duct leads to a liquid hydrogen feed line, but it does not).

The engine compartment conditioning system provided 300 to 500 pounds per minute of gaseous nitrogen to the engine compartment to prevent hazardous gas accumulation, formation of liquified air (due to the extreme temperatures of the liquid hydrogen), and to maintain proper thrust structure temperature.

Swing arm 4 would attach to the stage at this location; one of the swing arm's purposes was to supply an air-conditioning interface.