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

Side 1 is the busiest of the four elevations, containing the LOX/LH 2 valve complex platforms.
For 64 ft at the left end of Side 1 and 27 ft at the right end, this platform complex is comprised of
a single level, at approximately 11 ft from the base of the MLP. At the left- and right-most ends
of each platform, respectively, is a caged emergency egress ladder, which extends to the base of
the MLP. The left platform provides access to electrical and pneumatic openings, as well as the
LH2 piping tunnel; the right platform allows access to the fire hose connection. Between these
two platforms is a dual-level set of platforms, the lower at 4.5 ft and the upper at 13 ft from the
base of the MLP. Each platform can be accessed at the left end by a set of metal steps from the
left platform section. At the right end, the lower level can be reached from a set of metal steps
from the right platform. The upper platform is accessed via a metal ladder from the lower
platform. The upper platform allows access to the LOX piping system; the lower platform
provides access to an electrical panel, a pneumatic panel, and an instrumentation panel.
Side 2 extends from the left end of Side 1. This elevation contains one access door to Deck A
and one to Deck B, as well as various instrumentation interfaces, power substations, and
emergency power receptacles. Side 3 is relatively plain, but it does have an egress chute and a
few pneumatic piping interfaces. Side 4 has two access doors for both Decks A and B. This side
also contains ventilation relief stacks, mounting brackets, ventilation louvers, and pneumatic
piping interfaces.
In plan, the MLP has three exhaust holes, one for each of the two solid rocket boosters (SRBs),
and one for the space shuttle main engines (SSMEs), which extend through the entire height of
the platform. The SRB exhaust holes are 42 ft long and 20 ft wide; the main engine hole is 34 ft
long and 31 ft wide. All three are faced with a heat shield. Within each SRB exhaust hole,
towards Side 1 of the MLP, are four SRB support pedestals, set in a rectangular fashion at 15 ft
apart in the long direction and 9 ft apart in the short direction. These pedestals, which sit
approximately 5 ft below Deck 0, provide the attachment points for the SSV to the MLP prior to
launch. Surrounding each SRB opening on Deck 0 is a system of overpressure water screen
piping. The SSME exhaust hole sits along Side 1 of the MLP. To either side (towards Sides 2
and 4), near the SRB holes is a tail service mast (TSM). Each TSM measures 15 feet long, 9 feet
wide and 31 feet high, and provides umbilical connections for fuel and oxidizer (LH 2 and LOX),
gases, ground electrical power and communications links. Along Side 3 of the MLP is the
approximately 96-ft-wide by 64-ft-long blast deck. Near the center of this deck is a raised
opening, which leads to a stairwell that provides access to Decks A and B. Also spaced across
Deck 0 is the sound suppression system, as well as various hatch covers. Along Side 1 are two
handrail openings for access to and from the Payload Changeout Room (PCR). Side 2 contains
handrail openings for access from the launch pad, the Fixed Service Structure (FSS), and the
platforms in the VAB; Side 4 has openings for access from the launch pad and VAB platforms
only. Decks A and B contain rooms for control and service panels, and other necessary
mechanical and electrical equipment.
The resource boundary incorporates all components within, and attached to, the external shell of
each Mobile Launcher Platform, which includes all necessary components historically required
for its functions.
SIGNIFICANCE: The MLPs are considered eligible for listing in the NRHP in the context of
the U.S. Space Shuttle Program (1969-2010) under Criteria A and C in the areas of Space
Exploration and Engineering, respectively. Because they have achieved significance within the
past 50 years, Criteria Consideration G applies. Under Criterion A, the MLPs are significant for
their unique function in supporting build-up of the Space Shuttle vehicle in the VAB and its
transport to the launch pad. The period of significance for the MLPs is from 1980, when the first