Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 Facts for Kids

The Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39 (LC-39) is a rocket launch facility of Kennedy Space Center of Florida, United States. The site was originally made for the Apollo program. Later, it was modified for the Space Shuttle program. As of 2017^[update], only Pad 39A is in use to launch SpaceX's Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy. Pad 39B is modifying for NASA's Space Launch System. The Pad 39C was added in 2015 for small rocket launches, although it is not in use.

Images for kids

Space Shuttle Atlantis at Launch Complex 39A
The doors to the White Room, which provided entry to the Shuttle crew compartment, are seen here at the end of the access arm walkway
M113 armored personnel carriers parked near LC-39
Ares I-X launches from LC-39B, 15:30 UTC, October 28, 2009
KSC Director Bob Cabana announces the signing of the pad 39A lease agreement on April 14, 2014. SpaceX COO Gwynne Shotwell stands nearby.
A map shows the current and proposed elements on KSC.
Space Shuttles Atlantis and Endeavour are placed at LC-39A and LC-39B in preparation for the final service mission to the Hubble Space Telescope (May 2009). Endeavour was ready for a contingency mission in case of trouble with Atlantis.
Removal of the top floor of the fixed service structure on LC-39B (March 2011).
Storage tank for liquid hydrogen fuel located just to the Northeast of Kennedy Space Center's SLS launch pad 39B.
Artist's rendering of the Space Launch System Block 1 sitting on LC-39B with the Orion spacecraft at sunrise.
The first Space Launch System rocket on LC-39B for Artemis 1.