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

flight-ready Space Shuttle vehicle was assembled in the VAP atop the MLP, 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.
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. Under Criterion C, the MLPs were
specially designed, built and modified to support launch vehicles. The MLP provides a base for
the integration and stacking of the complete SSV in a vertical position within the VAB. The SSV
is connected to the MLP solely through the eight SRB pedestals. Once complete, the SSV and
MLP are then rolled out to the launch pad on the Crawler. At the pad, the MLP sits on six 22-fttall
pedestals, also used in the VAB, plus four additional columns, which help to stiffen the
platform against rebound loads in the case of main engine cutoff. During launch, a series of
explosions breaks the SRB connections, allowing the shuttle lift off. Each MLP is designed to
carry the weight of a fueled shuttle, or 13.72 million pounds. As such, the MLPs are of
exceptional importance to the Space Shuttle Program, and because they are less than 50 years in
age, Criteria Consideration G applies.
INTEGRITY: Although the MLPs were modified heavily from their original state to serve the
Space Shuttle Program, they have undergone few alterations since then and continue to convey
their historical function. They maintain their integrity of design, setting, materials, workmanship,
feeling, and association.