A ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony recently was held at Kennedy Space Center to unveil NASA’s newest Launch Pad – 39C. NASA’s first new launch pad since the 1960s will serve as a multi-purpose site allowing companies to test vehicles and capabilities in the smaller class of rockets, making it more affordable for smaller companies to break into the commercial spaceflight market. Launch Pad 39C is located approximately 3.5 miles northeast of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) on the site of the existing Launch Pad LC-39B.
Jones Edmunds served as the Engineer-of-Record to NASA for the study, design, permitting, and construction of Launch Pad 39C. An upfront study performed in 2013 helped NASA select a location for the new launch pad from several potential sites at KSC. The study evaluated critical siting factors including transporter access, site layout, rocket exhaust impacts, environmental impacts, permitting, construction cost and schedule.
The design of the launch pad occurred in 2014 (immediately following the Study), and included civil, environmental, structural, and electrical designs. This phase also included Environmental Resource Permitting through the St. Johns River Water Management District for the Pad’s stormwater management system. Potential wetland impacts were avoided through optimization of the site layout – this helped NASA minimize costs and protect the delicate ecosystem surrounding the Pad site.
Jones Edmunds supported NASA through the construction of the Launch Pad, which was completed in June 2015.
Photo Caption: Officials cut the ribbon officially unveiling NASA’s newest launch pad, 39C. Joining Patrick Simpkins, Director of Engineering, NASA, John F. Kennedy Space Center is ((from left to right) Rich Koller, Senior Vice President and Director of Facilities for Jones Edmunds & Associates, Inc., Titusville, Florida (Engineer-of-Record); Bob Cabana, Director of John F. Kennedy Space Center (center, with scissors); Scott Colloredo, Director of the Center Planning and Development Directorate, NASA, John F. Kennedy Space Center; and Michelle Shoultz, President, Frazier Engineering (Construction).
