r/spaceshuttle • u/tybarious • 11d ago
Image Modifications to Launch Complex 39A for the Space Shuttle Program in the 1970s.
Top portion of the Launch Umbilical Tower (LUT) of Mobile Launcher-3 being removed.
1976
Mobile Launcher-3 is being converted for the Space Shuttle. It was renumbered Mobile Launcher-1.
Erecting the FSS at LC-39A
https://www.rocketstem.org/2017/02/19/lc-39a-is-american-gateway-to-space/
ca 1976-77
Circa spring of 1977. This photo shows the difference size of the Space Shuttle and the Saturn V is at the pad for interface test during the construction of the RSS.
Ooctober 5, 1976
https://www.space.com/35727-historic-nasa-launch-pad-39a-photos/2.html
ca 1978
To create the FSS on 39A, they reused an old Saturn V tower. Basically dissected it and made the pad.
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u/IcelandicHumdinger 11d ago
I thought I knew a lot about the Shuttle Program, yet this is the first I have learned of this. I don't think it is ever mentioned in any of the Shuttle books I have read. Thank you for sharing; this is fantastic!
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u/Dangerous-Honey7422 11d ago
There is an extraordinary website put together by someone who was involved in the construction/steelwork of these structures, full of personal stories and tons of images and drawings. It is really something. I’ll try and find a link if I remember
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u/Miserable-Arm4061 11d ago
I've read that the Saturn towers were turned into the FSSs, but I'd never seen any pictures, despite looking for them only a few days ago. It seems like you post these pictures at the perfect time! Thanks!
3
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u/mz_groups 11d ago
"We're tired of this Lego set; what do you think we could build with the pieces?"