T his is where the magic happens. Actual launching pads where science and hope come together to make a miracle happen. It is from these remote patches of ground in the eastern swamps of Florida that the United States sends people into space on board Space Shuttles. The shuttles arrive at either of the launch pads riding on a massive crawler. It moves the spacecraft very slowly into the launch gantry which will hold the shuttle securely until take off. This is officially called the Fixed Service Structure, and contains a crane and three swing arms for gripping the shuttle and its boosters. There are several arms used for various mechanical and fuel-related needs, and a gangway so astronauts and other personnel can get into the shuttles. This is called the Orbiter Access Arm. Even though it is 65-feet long, in the event of an emergency, it can be in place in 15 seconds. Another huge piece of equipment is the Rotating Service Structure. It is like a giant form-fitting cap that swings into place, covering the shuttle. This is used to actually put the cargo in the shuttle bay. Most cargo loading is done on the launch pad to save time. The launch pads are octagons covering about ¼ of a square mile. They are 8,716 feet apart from each other. It is rare, but you can occasionally see a shuttle at each of the launch pads. Both pad A and pad B have been in service since the 1960's. In 1975 work began retrofitting them to handle space shuttles, which are much heavier than ordinary rockets (about 6,000,000 pounds each). Shuttles were launched exclusively from pad A until January, 1986. The first shuttle launched from pad B exploded shortly after takeoff.
During liftoff, a 300,000-gallon water tank releases its load through a system of nozzles to create a spray which reduces the volume of the space shuttle to about 142 decibels. Without it, the noise of takeoff would damage payloads.
The launch pads have Flame Trenches which deflect the heat and smoke from shuttle launches so they don't damage any structures.
Nearby Important Buildings
Rocket Garden - Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral
