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

Space Shuttle Program Historic Properties 6-16
NASA Kennedy Space Center
newly defined LC 39: Pad A Historic District was listed in the NRHP. At that time, the
historic property contained 23 contributing and 39 noncontributing resources within its
boundary.
The LC 39: Pad A Historic District has since gained importance in the context of the
Space Shuttle Program, ca. 1969 to 2010. It is considered eligible for listing in the NRHP
under Criteria A and C in the areas of Space Exploration and Engineering, respectively.
Because it has achieved exceptional significance within the past 50 years, Criteria
Consideration G applies. As currently defined for the SSP, the historic district contains
21 contributing resources within its boundary. Of the total contributing resources, one is
individually NRHP-eligible. The LC 39: Pad A Historic District is one of two sites at
KSC specially designed and constructed to launch the Space Shuttle vehicle. It has
facilitated nationally significant events associated with space travel, and has been integral
to the launching of the Shuttle. The design of this complex clearly embodies the
distinctive characteristics of its type. Although it has undergone major modifications
since the Apollo-era, the LC 39: Pad A Historic District continues to convey its historic
function as a launch facility, and maintains its integrity of location, design, setting,
materials, workmanship, feeling, and association.
6.2.7 Launch Complex 39: Pad A (8BR1995)
Photo 6.8. Aerial view of Space Shuttle Discovery at LC 39A, 2000.
(Source: NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center, KSC-00PP-1297)
LC 39: Pad A was originally constructed between 1963 and 1965 for the Apollo Program
and was modified for the Space Shuttle Program between 1976 and 1979. With the
launch of the first Shuttle mission, STS-1, on April 14, 1981, Pad A became the first
active launch pad at LC 39. Between 1981 and 1986, the next 23 Shuttle missions were
launched from Pad A.
LC 39: Pad A is constructed of steel and reinforced concrete, and measures 390 ft by 325
ft. It contains a FSS, RSS, Flame Deflector, and a Service Access Tower with Payload
October 2007
Archaeological Consultants, Inc.