Thread by @MaryRobinette

Don't mind me. I'm just hanging out on launch pad 39-b

#NASAsocial #SolarProbe

The pad is covered with these metal tabs. They exist to bolt 3/4 ply to in order to cushion the concrete from the weight of the crawler.

On the road, they use gravel.

#NASAsocial #SolarProbe

The "business end" of the flame suppression trench.

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The flame suppression trench at 39-b

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For launch, they get out fire hoses and clean everything off. Then people walk over looking for any debris. Even a piece of gravel can kick up and damage the vehicle.

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These booms measure the wind at different levels for launch conditions.

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Around the launch pad, there are "sacrifice" telephone poles in front of the actual poles to act as a shield to keep the real ones from burning up or melting.

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These tunnels were escape tubes, never used, from Apollo era. They are used now for ventilation and...

They were used in Men in Black 3 as a location.

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This bunker was to be a safe retreat for the astronauts.

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