The launch pad (even hours after launch) is not a place you'd want to be.
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The space shuttle stands at 184 feet (56 meters) high, on top of a mounded pad.
The first Space Shuttle launch from Launch Pad 39-B was STS-51L on January 28, 1986. However STS-51L ended in disaster when the space shuttle Challenger disintegrated over the Atlantic ocean. A total of 53 space shuttle missions have launched from pad 39-B, although no more are planned in the future. In the future, pad 39-B is planned to be used for Ares I launches.
The crawler transporter takes the space shuttle from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pad, which is usually a distance of about 3 to 4 miles. It moves very slowly to ensure a smooth and controlled journey for the shuttle. Once the shuttle is at the launch pad, the crawler transporter moves to a safe distance away from the launch site.
The shuttle assembly attaches to the launch pad through a series of bolts and mechanical connections. Once the shuttle is positioned on the launch pad, it is secured in place using these fastening mechanisms to ensure stability during countdown and liftoff.
Eight 3.5 inch thick steel bolts are used as anchors to bolt the shuttle to the launchpad. When the solid rocket boosters ignite, explosive charges shatter the nuts on top of the hold-down posts.
Type your answer here... no
The space shuttle stands at 184 feet (56 meters) high, on top of a mounded pad.
The first Space Shuttle launch from Launch Pad 39-B was STS-51L on January 28, 1986. However STS-51L ended in disaster when the space shuttle Challenger disintegrated over the Atlantic ocean. A total of 53 space shuttle missions have launched from pad 39-B, although no more are planned in the future. In the future, pad 39-B is planned to be used for Ares I launches.
The crawler transporter takes the space shuttle from the Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pad, which is usually a distance of about 3 to 4 miles. It moves very slowly to ensure a smooth and controlled journey for the shuttle. Once the shuttle is at the launch pad, the crawler transporter moves to a safe distance away from the launch site.
I found information on the orbiter being 122 feet in length
The shuttle assembly attaches to the launch pad through a series of bolts and mechanical connections. Once the shuttle is positioned on the launch pad, it is secured in place using these fastening mechanisms to ensure stability during countdown and liftoff.
Eight 3.5 inch thick steel bolts are used as anchors to bolt the shuttle to the launchpad. When the solid rocket boosters ignite, explosive charges shatter the nuts on top of the hold-down posts.
Nasa has two big vehicles called crawlers: the shuttle gets lifted vertically onto the top of these crawlers, attached to the other rockets, then the crawler 'crawls' to the launch "site" where takeoff happens. so technically, the launch "pad" is the top of the crawler, so the shuttle got to the "pad" on a crane, but got to the launch "site" on top of the nasa crawler.
It is a little burnt but the launch pad is designed to take extreme heat and pressure created by the space shuttle. If it wasn't, they would have to make a new launch pad every launch and those things are worth a pretty penny...
The shuttle and launch platform are moved from the Vehicle Assembly Building by the crawler transporter. the CT is a large tracked vehicle that goes under the MLP and picks it up. it drives at 0.8 miles an hour along the crawlerway. the journey takes 5-7 hours depending on the destination.
The space shuttle has to start straight up, like a rocket.
88 spans tall i think