Launch Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center updates

[Grendal]

It looks like Pad 39A is progressing nicely. Pictures just came out that show the new strongback completed and being tested. Space has a "placeholder" time of January 18th reserved for a launch. Since Iridium has been bumped a couple weeks, at least, then this launch could easily be delayed as well.

Space KSC: Standing Up for SpaceX

Here is info on Pad 39A:

Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 - Wikipedia

 

[ecarfan]

Thanks for the link. Do you know if the old launch tower going to be demolished at some point?

It is ironic that at some point in the next 100 years the ground surrounding those launch pads will very likely be underwater. The launch pads are elevated, but they may be cut off by rising sea levels covering the roads leading to the vehicle staging complex, which I think is only slightly elevated.

 

[Mike1080i]

Thanks for the link. Do you know if the old launch tower going to be demolished at some point?

I believe the plan is for the RSS (Rotating Service Structure) that covered the shuttle orbiters and allowed 'clean room' access to the orbiters payload bay to eventually be removed, but not before launches start. SpaceX will be keeping and using the FSS (Fixed Service Structure) for the Falcon 9/Falcon Heavy and they will add a crew access arm to it for Dragon.