john f. kennedy space center brevard county, florida - Environmental ...

is arranged so that there are two high bays, to the east and west, separated by a two-level low bay
with a one-story projection to the north and a one-story annex area to the south. Within the
southern annex of the HMP are offices and support rooms for the test cells (high bays). There is
also a clean room at the north end, as well as an electrical equipment room and a mechanical
equipment room. The low bay area also contains support rooms for the two test cells, including
test equipment rooms and a communications room on the second floor level.
The significant areas of the HMP are the two high bays, where the orbiter maneuvering system
(OMS) pods are serviced between missions. Each test cell measures approximately 38 ft by 38 ft,
and contains four platform levels that form a “U” opening to the east or west in the east test cell
and west test cell, respectively. These levels are located at 12 ft, 19.5 ft, 27 ft and 35 ft above the
finished floor. At all four levels, there are a series of stationary platforms which line the north,
south and east (or west) walls. In addition, the 12 ft, 19.5 ft, and 27 ft levels are hinged
platforms, which are shaped around the OMS pod, that flip up to allow placement of the pod.
Additional features of each test cell are metal stairs within the north and south platforms and a
10-ton bridge crane, with rails along the north and south walls.
The HSB, which sits to the south of the HMP, is also an Industrial Vernacular style building. It
has overall dimensions of 162 ft in length (east-west), 122 ft in width (north-south) and 16 ft in
height. Like the HMP, it is constructed of concrete block, has a poured concrete slab floor, and a
slightly gabled roof. Within the HSB are various control and support rooms for the HMP.
The district boundary begins at the southwest corner of the intersection between 5 th Street SE and
G Avenue SE and extends for approximately 300 ft to the west and 830 ft to the south, forming a
rectangle, which includes all necessary structures and components historically required for its
functions.
SIGNIFICANCE: The HMCA Historic District is considered eligible for listing in the NRHP in
the context of the U.S. Space Shuttle Program (1969-2010) under NRHP Criterion A in the area
of Space Exploration. Because it has achieved significance within the past 50 years, Criteria
Consideration G applies. The period of significance for the HMCA Historic District is from 1979,
when the first flight-ready orbiter arrived at KSC for launch preparations, through 2010, the
designated end of the Space Shuttle Program. The Space Shuttle Program is the longest running
American space program to date. Unlike the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs, the
emphasis was on cost effectiveness and reusability, as well as the construction of a space station.
It is a one of a kind facility used for processing the OMS pods, with the incorporated RCS, key
components of the Space Shuttle vehicle system. As such, the HMCA Historic District is of
exceptional importance to the Space Shuttle Program, and because it is less than 50 years in age,
Criteria Consideration G applies.
INTEGRITY: The HMCA Historic District is in good condition and maintains integrity of
location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association.