Scenic USA - Picture of the Day
Each day this site offers a select photograph from around the United States, coupled with a
brief explanation.
For further information, links to other sites are provided.
Yesterday's Feature - a convenient way to scroll back through all the Picture of the Day photos.
Launch Pad Alpha
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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.
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Copyright ©2008 Benjamin Prepelka
All Rights Reserved