Another day begins at Launch Complex 39, located on Merritt Island, Florida, in the heart of a 69,000 acre wildlife refuge. Today is not just another day, as space center employees will witness the Space Shuttle make its way to the launch pad. This six hour, 4.25 mile trip takes this gargantuan assembly, weighing 12 million pounds, over an uniquely designed crawlerway. The tow-way is made up of hydraulic fill, graded limestone, an asphalt sealer, topped off with a layer of river rock that aids in reducing friction.
This 130 foot wide, seven foot deep crawlerway was originally designed for the huge Saturn V vehicle, used for the 1970s extraordinary lunar expeditions.