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Forum:	Space Places
Topic:	Kennedy Space Center's SCV Launch Pad 39C

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<table border=0 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 width="600"><TR><td bgcolor="#000000"><TABLE BORDER=0 cellpadding=4 border=0 cellspacing=1 WIDTH="100%"><TR bgcolor="#660000"><TD COLSPAN=2><CENTER><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#ffffff" FACE="sans-serif">T O P I C     R E V I E W</font></CENTER></TD></TR><TR bgcolor="#494949"><TD valign=top><FONT SIZE="2" FACE="sans-serif">dabolton</FONT></TD><TD><FONT SIZE="2" FACE="sans-serif">52 years after the original Launch Pad 39C became Pad 39A, NASA finally has a Pad 39C. <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="+0"><B>New Small Class Vehicle Launch Pad Takes Shape at Launch Pad 39B</B></font><P><div align="justify">NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida took another step forward in its transformation into a 21st Century multi-user spaceport with the creation of a new launch pad that is designed to attract smaller aerospace companies and enable them to develop and launch their vehicles from the center.<P><center><a href="http://www.collectspace.com/review/ksc_scvpad39c-lg.jpg" target="AirLock"><img src="http://www.collectspace.com/review/ksc_scvpad39c.jpg" width="400" height="300" border="0"></a></center><P>The landscape of the center's Launch Pad 39B area is changing as construction reveals the concrete surface of a new Small Class Vehicle Launch Pad, designated 39C, which will serve as a multi-purpose site for companies to test vehicles and capabilities in the smaller class of rockets. A designated pad to test smaller rockets will make it more affordable for smaller companies to break into the commercial spaceflight market. The Ground Systems Development and Operations (GSDO) Program is overseeing the project and working with Center Planning and Development to grow commercial space efforts at Kennedy.<P>"The small class market is looking for new capabilities, and we've talked to a number of companies showing some interest in Kennedy and the new launch site at pad B," said Scott Colloredo, director of Center Planning and Development. "Along with our human, heavy class and super-heavy class Space Launch System capabilities, we want to diversify into the small class market."<P>Located in the southeast area of the pad B perimeter, the new concrete pad measures about 50 feet wide by about 100 feet long. In addition to the small class launch site, GSDO also has developed a universal propellant servicing system, which would provide liquid oxygen and liquid methane fueling capabilities for a variety of small class rockets.<P>"This small class launch vehicle pad will help to grow our commercial space efforts and give smaller companies affordable access to space," said Mike Bolger, GSDO Program manager.<P>Jerad Merbitz, the Small Class Vehicle Element Operations manager, hopes the small class processing and launch features Kennedy has to offer, including the launch site, universal propellant servicing system, and launch control center options will attract aerospace companies to Kennedy.<P>Access to existing processing facilities, such as the Vehicle Assembly Building and the Multi-Payload Processing Facility, also would be a plus.<P>When completed, 39C could support the combined weight of a fueled launch vehicle, payload and customer-provided launch mount up to about 132,000 pounds, and an umbilical tower structure, fluid lines, cables and umbilical arms weighing up to about 47,000 pounds.<P><center><iframe width="400" height="225" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ysH86oXWyAs?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen>

Merbitz said whether you're launching humans or payloads, it's expensive. But new developments in engines, composites, and technology as a whole have allowed commercial spaceflight to become more attainable for smaller companies. The new launch site will be good for companies with more invested in research and development.

"At Kennedy, it's in our DNA to help these companies," Merbitz said. "It's a unique opportunity in our history, truly making this center a multi-user spaceport."

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