View source for Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A

{{short description|Historic launch pad operated by NASA and SpaceX}}
{{Use American English|date=May 2020}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox launch pad
| name             = Launch Complex 39A
| image            = Axiom-3 Launch (KSC-20240118-PH-CMS01 0022) Cropped.jpg
| caption          = The pad in January 2024 during the launch of [[Axiom Mission 3]] with the [[SpaceX Starship]] launch tower in the background
| site             = [[Kennedy Space Center]]
| location         = [[Merritt Island, Florida]]
| coordinates      = {{Coord|28|36|30|N|80|36|16|W|type:landmark_region:US}}
| utc_offset       = −05:00
| time_zone        = [[Eastern Standard Time|EST]]
| utc_offset_DST   = −04:00
| time_zone_DST    = [[Eastern Daylight Time|EDT]]
| operator         = {{Unbulleted list|[[NASA]] (1967–2014)|[[SpaceX]] (2014–present)}}
| inclination      = 28.5–55, 66–145°<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 2021 |title=Falcon User's Guide |url=https://www.spacex.com/media/falcon-users-guide-2021-09.pdf |website=[[SpaceX]] |page=11}}</ref>
| paddetails       = {{Infobox launch pad/pad
| status         = Active
| launches       = 188
| first_launch   = November 9, 1967
| first_details  = [[Saturn V]] ([[Apollo 4]])
| last_launch    = November 27, 2024 <!--Also edit the infobox at [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39]]-->
| last_details   = [[Falcon 9 Block 5]] ([[Starlink]] G6-76)
| rockets        = {{plainlist|
* '''Current''': [[Falcon 9]], [[Falcon Heavy]]
* '''Future''': [[SpaceX Starship|Starship]]
* '''Retired''': [[Saturn V]], [[Space Shuttle]]
* '''Plans cancelled''': [[Ares V]]
}}
}}
{{Infobox NRHP
| embed    = yes
| name     = Launch Complex 39--Pad A
| locmapin = Florida#USA
| built    = 1964–1968
| added    = January 21, 2000
| area     = {{convert|160|acre}}
| mpsub    = [[John F. Kennedy Space Center MPS]]
| refnum   = 99001638<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>
}}
}}'''Launch Complex 39A''' ('''LC-39A''') is the first of [[Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39|Launch Complex 39]]'s three [[launch pad]]s, located at [[NASA]]'s [[Kennedy Space Center]] in [[Merritt Island]], [[Florida]]. The pad, along with [[Launch Complex 39B]], was first constructed in the 1960s to accommodate the [[Saturn V]] launch vehicle, and has been used to support NASA [[Human spaceflight|crewed space flight]] missions, including the historic [[Apollo 11]] moon landing and the [[Space Shuttle]]. The site is currently leased by [[SpaceX]] and supports launches of the [[Falcon 9]] and [[Falcon Heavy]] rockets.<ref>{{cite web |author=D'Orazio |first=Dante |date=6 September 2015 |title=After delays, SpaceX's massive Falcon Heavy rocket set to launch in spring 2016 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/9/6/9270317/spacex-falcon-heavy-rocket-scheduled-launch-spring-2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191125034708/https://www.theverge.com/2015/9/6/9270317/spacex-falcon-heavy-rocket-scheduled-launch-spring-2016 |archive-date=November 25, 2019 |access-date=May 20, 2020 |work=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://spacenews.com/spacex-seeks-to-accelerate-falcon-9-production-and-launch-rates-this-year/|title=Spacex seeks to accelerate falcon 9 production and launch rates this year|publisher=SpaceNews|date=4 February 2016|access-date=May 20, 2020|archive-date=February 9, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160209152801/http://spacenews.com/spacex-seeks-to-accelerate-falcon-9-production-and-launch-rates-this-year/|url-status=live}}</ref>
== History ==
=== Apollo program ===
In 1961, U.S. [[John F. Kennedy|President Kennedy]] proposed to the [[United States Congress|U.S. Congress]] the goal of landing a man on the Moon by the end of the decade. Congressional approval led to the launch of the [[Apollo program]], which required a massive expansion of NASA operations, including an expansion of launch operations from the Cape to adjacent Merritt Island to the north and west.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.spaceline.org/capehistory/3a.html|title=The History of Cape Canaveral, Chapter 3: NASA Arrives (1959–Present)|publisher=Spaceline.org|access-date=2009-07-06|archive-date=September 17, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090917031235/http://www.spaceline.org/capehistory/3a.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
First named Launch Complex 39C,<ref>Launch Complex 39.</ref> Launch Complex 39A was designed to handle launches of the [[Saturn V]] rocket, the largest and most powerful launch vehicle, which would propel the Apollo spacecraft to the Moon. The first launch from Launch Complex 39A occurred in 1967 with the first Saturn V launch, which carried the uncrewed [[Apollo 4]] spacecraft. The second uncrewed launch, [[Apollo 6]], also used Pad 39A. With the exception of [[Apollo 10]], which used Pad 39B (due to the "all-up" testing resulting in a 2-month turnaround period), all crewed Apollo-Saturn V launches, commencing with [[Apollo 8]], used Pad 39A.
=== Skylab program ===
Launch Complex 39A was used for the uncrewed launch of the Skylab space station on May 14, 1973. This used a modified Saturn V [[Canceled Apollo missions#Surplus hardware|originally built]] for the cancelled Apollo 18 mission. The subsequent Skylab crewed missions launched from Launch Complex 39B using Saturn IB launch vehicles.
=== Space Shuttle ===
With the advent of the [[Space Shuttle program]] in the early 1980s, the original structure of the launch pads were remodeled for the needs of the Space Shuttle. The first usage of Pad 39A for the Space Shuttle came in 1979, when [[Space Shuttle Enterprise|''Enterprise'']] was used to check the facilities prior to the first operational launch. Since then, Pad 39A hosted all Space Shuttle launches until January 1986, when {{OV|99}} would become the first to launch from pad 39B during the ill-fated [[STS-51-L]] mission.
During the launch of ''Discovery'' on [[STS-124]] on May 31, 2008, the pad at LC-39A suffered extensive damage, in particular to the concrete trench used to deflect the SRBs' flames.<ref name="damage">{{cite web|url=http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/080602-sts124-pad39a-damage.html#comments|title=NASA Eyes Launch Pad Damage for Next Shuttle Flight|work=Space.com|date=June 2, 2008|access-date=May 20, 2020|archive-date=August 15, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090815092422/http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/080602-sts124-pad39a-damage.html#comments|url-status=live}}</ref> The subsequent investigation found that the damage was the result of carbonation of epoxy and corrosion of steel anchors that held the [[refractory brick]]s in the trench in place. The damage had been exacerbated by the fact that [[hydrochloric acid]] is an exhaust by-product of the solid rocket boosters.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Lilley |first=Steve K. |date=August 2010 |title=Hit the Bricks |url=http://pbma.nasa.gov/docs/public/pbma/images/msm/STS-124FlameTrench_SFCS.pdf |url-status=dead |journal=System Failure Case Studies |publisher=NASA |volume=4 |issue=8 |pages=1–4 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928091534/http://pbma.nasa.gov/docs/public/pbma/images/msm/STS-124FlameTrench_SFCS.pdf |archive-date=September 28, 2011 |access-date=July 20, 2011}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>
Just as for the first 24 shuttle flights, LC-39A supported the final shuttle flights, starting with [[STS-117]] in June 2007 and ending with the [[Space Shuttle retirement|retirement of the Shuttle fleet]] in July 2011. In total, Pad 39A hosted 94 launches from 1967 to 2011, including 12 Saturn V rockets and 82 space shuttles.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-02-17 |title=The Milestone Space Missions Launched from NASA's Historic Pad 39A |language=en |work=Space.com |url=https://www.space.com/35736-nasa-greatest-space-launches-from-pad-39a.html |access-date=2023-12-23}}</ref> Prior to the SpaceX lease agreement, the pad remained as it was when ''Atlantis'' launched on the final shuttle mission on July 8, 2011, complete with a [[mobile launcher platform]]. The pad was originally going to be modified for the [[Ares V]] rocket for the [[Constellation program]] in the mid 2010s, looking identical to LC-39B with the three lightning towers.<ref>{{cite web |title=NASA – Kennedy Prepares to Host Constellation |url=https://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/exploration/Constellationfacilities.html}}</ref> The Ares I was planned to launch on the adjacent 39B but in 2010, the Constellation program was cancelled.
=== SpaceX ===
[[File:PAD 39A lease announcement.jpg|thumb|KSC Director [[Robert D. Cabana|Bob Cabana]] (at podium) announces the signing of the pad 39A lease agreement on April 14, 2014. [[NASA Administrator]] [[Charles Bolden]] (far left) and [[SpaceX]] COO [[Gwynne Shotwell]] stand nearby.]]
Talks for use of the pad were underway between NASA and [[Space Florida]]—the [[State of Florida]]'s [[economic development agency]]—as early as 2011, but no deal materialized by 2012, and NASA then pursued other options for removing the pad from the federal government inventory.<ref name=nsf20141117/>
By early 2013, NASA publicly announced that it would allow commercial launch providers to lease LC-39A,<ref>[http://www.americaspace.com/?p=30313 "NASA not abandoning LC-39A" January 17, 2013] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118221726/http://www.americaspace.com/?p=30313 |date=January 18, 2013 }}, accessed February 7, 2013.</ref> and followed that, in May 2013, with a formal solicitation for proposals for [[private spaceflight|commercial use]] of the pad.<ref name=nsw20130520>[http://www.newspacewatch.com/articles/nasa-requests-proposals-for-commercial-use-of-pad-39a.html NASA requests proposals for commercial use of Pad 39A] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701052646/http://www.newspacewatch.com/articles/nasa-requests-proposals-for-commercial-use-of-pad-39a.html |date=July 1, 2020 }}, ''NewSpace Watch'', May 20, 2013, accessed May 21, 2013.</ref> There were two competing bids for the commercial use of the launch complex.<ref name=leasedoc/> [[SpaceX]] submitted a bid for exclusive use of the launch complex, while [[Jeff Bezos]]' [[Blue Origin]] submitted a bid for shared non-exclusive use of the complex, so that the launchpad would handle multiple vehicles, and costs could be shared over the long-term. One potential shared user in the Blue Origin plan was [[United Launch Alliance]].<ref name=os20130818>{{cite news|last=Matthews|first=Mark K.|title=Musk, Bezos fight to win lease of iconic NASA launchpad|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2013/08/18/musk-bezos-fight-to-win-lease-of-iconic-nasa-launchpad/|access-date=2013-08-21|newspaper=Orlando Sentinel|date=2013-08-18|archive-date=August 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827223013/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2013-08-18/news/os-fight-over-ksc-launchpad-20130818_1_spacex-elon-musk-christina-ra|url-status=live}}</ref> Prior to the end of the bid period, and prior to any public announcement by NASA of the results of the process, Blue Origin filed a protest with the [[Federal government of the United States|U.S.]] [[General Accounting Office]] (GAO) "over what it says is a plan by NASA to award an exclusive commercial lease to SpaceX for use of mothballed space shuttle launch pad 39A".<ref name=pa20130910/> NASA had planned to complete the bid award and have the pad transferred by October 1, 2013, but the protest "will delay any decision until the GAO reaches a decision, expected by mid-December".<ref name=pa20130910>{{cite news|last=Messier|first=Doug|title=Blue Origin Files Protest Over Lease on Pad 39A|url=http://www.parabolicarc.com/2013/09/09/49934/|access-date=2013-09-11|newspaper=Parabolic Arc|date=2013-09-10|archive-date=September 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925185437/http://www.parabolicarc.com/2013/09/09/49934/|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 12, 2013, the GAO denied the protest and sided with NASA, which argued that the solicitation contained no preference on the use of the facility as multi-use or single-use. "The [solicitation] document merely asks bidders to explain their reasons for selecting one approach instead of the other and how they would manage the facility".<ref name=pa20131212>{{cite news|last=Messier|first=Doug|title=Blue Origin Loses GAO Appeal Over Pad 39A Bid Process|url=http://www.parabolicarc.com/2013/12/12/blue-origin-loses-gao-appeal-pad-39a-bid-process/|access-date=2013-12-13|newspaper=Parabolic Arc|date=2013-12-12|archive-date=December 16, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216130603/http://www.parabolicarc.com/2013/12/12/blue-origin-loses-gao-appeal-pad-39a-bid-process/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On December 13, 2013, NASA announced that it had selected SpaceX as the new commercial tenant.<ref name=padnego>{{cite news|last=Clark|first=Stephen|title=SpaceX to begin negotiations for shuttle launch pad|url=http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n1312/13pad39a/#.UquHkWRDv_o|access-date=December 13, 2013|newspaper=SpaceflightNow|date=December 13, 2013|archive-date=March 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314041849/http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n1312/13pad39a/#.UquHkWRDv_o|url-status=live}}</ref> On April 14, 2014, SpaceX signed a lease agreement<ref name=flortoda>{{cite web|url=http://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2014/04/14/spacex-takes-over-ksc-pad-39a/7711859/|title=SpaceX takes over KSC pad 39A|last=Dean|first=James|date=April 14, 2014|publisher=Florida Today|access-date=April 15, 2014|archive-date=February 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220002724/http://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2014/04/14/spacex-takes-over-ksc-pad-39a/7711859/|url-status=live}}</ref> that gave it a 20-year exclusive lease on LC-39A.<ref name=leasedoc>{{cite web|url=https://prod.nais.nasa.gov/eps/eps_data/159268-OTHER-001-001.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511114338/https://prod.nais.nasa.gov/eps/eps_data/159268-OTHER-001-001.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 11, 2015 |title=Selection Statement for Lease of Launch Complex 39A|date=December 12, 2013|publisher=NASA|access-date=December 23, 2013}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> SpaceX planned to launch their launch vehicles from the pad and build a new hangar nearby.<ref name=leasedoc/><ref name=flortoda/><ref name=tss20140321>{{cite AV media|people=Gwynne Shotwell|date=2014-03-21|title=Broadcast 2212: Special Edition, interview with Gwynne Shotwell|medium=audio file|url=http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/2212-BWB-2014-03-21.mp3|access-date=2014-03-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322013556/http://archived.thespaceshow.com/shows/2212-BWB-2014-03-21.mp3|archive-date=March 22, 2014|format=mp3|time=20:00–21:10|publisher=The Space Show|id=2212 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Elon Musk]], CEO of SpaceX, stated that he wanted to shift most of SpaceX's NASA launches to LC-39A, including [[Commercial Resupply Services|commercial cargo]] and [[Commercial Crew Development|crew]] missions to the [[International Space Station]].<ref name=padnego/><ref name="Clark">{{cite web|url=http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1312/12gao/#.UrhmtbSTJe4|title=GAO decision opens door for commercial lease of pad 39A|last=Clark|first=Stephen|date=December 12, 2013|publisher=Spaceflight Now|access-date=December 23, 2013|quote=Musk said he wants to launch SpaceX's commercial cargo and crew missions to the International Space Station from launch pad 39A|archive-date=October 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161026175440/http://www.spaceflightnow.com/news/n1312/12gao/#.UrhmtbSTJe4|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Modifications ====
In 2015, SpaceX built the [[Horizontal integration facility|Horizontal Integration Facility]] (HIF) just outside the perimeter of the existing launch pad in order to house both the Falcon 9 and the Falcon Heavy rockets, and their associated hardware and payloads, during preparation for flight.<ref name=sfn20150225>{{cite news|last1=Clark|first1=Stephen|title=Falcon Heavy rocket hangar rises at launch pad 39A|url=http://spaceflightnow.com/2015/02/25/falcon-heavy-rocket-hangar-rises-at-pad-39a/|access-date=28 February 2015|work=Spaceflight Now|date=25 February 2015|archive-date=August 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807155520/https://spaceflightnow.com/2015/02/25/falcon-heavy-rocket-hangar-rises-at-pad-39a/|url-status=live}}</ref> Both types of launch vehicles are transported from the HIF to the launch pad aboard a Transporter Erector (TE) which rides on rails up the former crawlerway path.<ref name=nsf20141117/><ref name=sfn20150225/> Also in 2015, the launch mount for the Falcon Heavy was constructed on Pad 39A over the existing infrastructure.<ref name=cs20140414/><ref>{{cite web|last1=Bergin|first1=Chris|title=Falcon Heavy into production as Pad 39A HIF rises out of the ground|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/02/falcon-heavy-production-39a-hif-rises/|publisher=NASASpaceFlight|access-date=19 February 2015|date=18 February 2015|archive-date=May 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200520142233/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/02/falcon-heavy-production-39a-hif-rises/|url-status=live}}</ref> The work on both the HIF building and the pad was substantially complete by late 2015.<ref name=nsf20151008>{{cite news|last1=Gebhardt|first1=Chris|title=Canaveral and KSC pads: New designs for space access|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/10/canaveral-ksc-pads-new-designs-space-access/|access-date=2015-10-11|newspaper=NASASpaceFlight.com|date=2015-10-08|archive-date=October 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009143559/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/10/canaveral-ksc-pads-new-designs-space-access/|url-status=live}}</ref> A rollout test of the new Transporter Erector was conducted in November 2015.<ref name=nsf20151109>{{cite news|last1=Bergin|first1=Chris|title=SpaceX conducts test rollout for 39A Transporter/Erector|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/11/spacex-conducts-rollout-39a-te/|access-date=11 November 2015|work=NASASpaceFlight.com|date=2015-11-09|archive-date=December 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219040713/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2015/11/spacex-conducts-rollout-39a-te/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In February 2016, SpaceX indicated that they had "completed and activated Launch Complex 39A",<ref name=sn20160204/> but still had more work yet to do to support crewed flights. SpaceX originally planned to be ready to accomplish the first launch at pad 39A—of a Falcon Heavy—as early as 2015,<ref name=ft20140414>{{cite news|last=Dean|first=James|title=With nod to history, SpaceX gets launch pad 39A OK|url=http://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2014/04/15/nod-history-spacex-gets-ok/7721971/|access-date=2014-04-15|newspaper=Florida Today|date=2014-04-14|archive-date=July 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730193947/http://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/2014/04/15/nod-history-spacex-gets-ok/7721971/|url-status=live}}</ref> as they had architects and engineers working on the new design and modifications since 2013.<ref name=sfn20140415>{{cite news|last=Clark|first=Stephen|title=SpaceX's mega-rocket to debut next year at pad 39A|url=http://spaceflightnow.com/news/n1404/15pad39a/#.U06Y5VfTnhN|access-date=2014-04-16|newspaper=SpaceflightNow|date=2014-04-15|archive-date=March 8, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308004405/https://spaceflightnow.com/news/n1404/15pad39a/#.U06Y5VfTnhN|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=cs20140414>{{cite news|title=NASA signs over historic Launch Pad 39A to SpaceX|url=http://www.collectspace.com/news/news-041414a-launch-pad-39a-spacex.html|access-date=2014-04-15|newspaper=collectSpace|date=2014-04-14|archive-date=August 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140824060434/http://collectspace.com/news/news-041414a-launch-pad-39a-spacex.html|url-status=live}}</ref> By late 2014, a preliminary date for a [[wet dress rehearsal]] of the Falcon Heavy was set for no earlier than July 1, 2015.<ref name=nsf20141117>{{cite news|last1=Bergin|first1=Chris|title=Pad 39A – SpaceX laying the groundwork for Falcon Heavy debut|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/11/pad-39a-spacex-groundwork-falcon-heavy-debut/|access-date=2014-11-17|work=NASA Spaceflight|date=2014-11-18|archive-date=November 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141119183345/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/11/pad-39a-spacex-groundwork-falcon-heavy-debut/|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to a failure in a June 2015 Falcon 9 launch, SpaceX delayed launching the Falcon Heavy in order to focus on the Falcon 9's failure investigation and its return to flight.<ref>{{cite web|author=Clark, Stephen|title=First flight of Falcon Heavy delayed again|url=http://spaceflightnow.com/2015/07/21/first-flight-of-falcon-heavy-delayed-again/|publisher=spaceflightnow.com|date=2015-07-21|access-date=2015-10-06|archive-date=August 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813075953/https://spaceflightnow.com/2015/07/21/first-flight-of-falcon-heavy-delayed-again/|url-status=live}}</ref> In early 2016, considering the busy Falcon 9 launch manifest, it became unclear if the Falcon Heavy would be the first vehicle to launch from Pad 39A, or if one or more Falcon 9 missions would precede a Falcon Heavy launch.<ref name=sn20160204>{{cite news|last=Foust|first=Jeff|url=http://spacenews.com/spacex-seeks-to-accelerate-falcon-9-production-and-launch-rates-this-year/|title=SpaceX seeks to accelerate Falcon 9 production and launch rates this year|work=[[SpaceNews]]|date=2014-02-04|access-date=2016-02-06|archive-date=February 9, 2016|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160209152801/http://spacenews.com/spacex-seeks-to-accelerate-falcon-9-production-and-launch-rates-this-year/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the following months, the Falcon Heavy launch was delayed multiple times and eventually pushed back to February 2018.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.investors.com/news/spacex-to-test-fire-falcon-heavy-ahead-of-maiden-flight-despite-zuma-questions/|title=SpaceX Performs Falcon Heavy Rocket Static Fire Test After Delays {{!}} Stock News & Stock Market Analysis - IBD|date=2018-01-24|work=Investor's Business Daily|access-date=2018-02-06|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803031438/https://www.investors.com/news/spacex-to-test-fire-falcon-heavy-ahead-of-maiden-flight-despite-zuma-questions/|url-status=live}}</ref>
SpaceX used the former [[Fixed Service Structure]] (FSS) of the Pad 39A [[#Launch towers|launch towers]] and initially intended to extend it above its former {{convert|350|ft|m|sp=us|adj=on}} height. It did not need the [[Rotating Service Structure]] (RSS)<ref name="nsf20141117" /> and removed it beginning in February 2016.<ref name="ses20141021">{{cite web |date=October 21, 2014 |title=SES-9 |url=http://www.ses.com/ses-9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021043414/http://www.ses.com/ses-9 |archive-date=2014-10-21 |access-date=2016-02-23 |work=SES }}</ref>
NASA removed the Orbiter Servicing Arm—with intent to use the space later to build a museum—and the [[White room (spaceflight)|white room]] by which astronauts entered the Space Shuttle.<ref name="cs20140414" /> SpaceX indicated in late 2014 that additional levels to the FSS would not be added in the near term.<ref name="nsf20141117" /> SpaceX planned to eventually add at least two additional levels to the FSS, to provide [[human spaceflight|crew]] access for the [[SpaceX Dragon 2|Dragon 2]] launches.<ref name="nsf20140728">{{cite news |last1=Bergin |first1=Chris |date=2014-07-28 |title=SpaceX Roadmap building on its rocket business revolution |publisher=NASAspaceflight |url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/07/spacex-roadmap-rocket-business-revolution/ |url-status=live |access-date=2014-07-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140730231757/http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2014/07/spacex-roadmap-rocket-business-revolution/ |archive-date=July 30, 2014}}</ref>
In August 2018, SpaceX's Crew Access Arm (CAA) was installed on a new level, which was built at the necessary height to enter the Crew Dragon spacecraft atop a Falcon 9 rocket. It very closely resembles [[Jet bridge|jetways]] that are frequently found at airports.<ref>{{cite news |last=Clark |first=Stephen |date=August 20, 2018 |title=SpaceX's astronaut walkway installed on Florida launch pad |work=Spaceflight Now |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/08/20/spacexs-astronaut-walkway-installed-on-florida-launch-pad/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823140451/https://spaceflightnow.com/2018/08/20/spacexs-astronaut-walkway-installed-on-florida-launch-pad/ |archive-date=August 23, 2018}}</ref> In September 2018, the refurbished Space Shuttle Emergency Egress System was raised to this new level.
SpaceX added a crew gantry access arm and white room to allow for crew and cargo ingress to the vehicle. The existing Space Shuttle evacuation slide-wire basket system was re-purposed to provide a safe emergency egress for the Dragon crew in the event of an emergency on the pad that does not necessitate using the [[Crew Dragon]]'s launch abort system".<ref name="sx20150227">{{cite web |last1=Reisman |first1=Garrett |date=27 February 2015 |title=Statement of Garrett Reisman before the Subcommittee on Space Committee on Science, Space, and Technology U.S. House Of Representatives |url=http://science.house.gov/sites/republicans.science.house.gov/files/documents/HHRG-114-SY16-WState-GReisman-20150227.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923215310/https://science.house.gov/sites/republicans.science.house.gov/files/documents/HHRG-114-SY16-WState-GReisman-20150227.pdf |archive-date=September 23, 2018 |access-date=28 February 2015 |publisher=US House of Representatives publication of a SpaceX document provided to the committee}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>
In 2019, SpaceX began substantial modification to LC 39A in order to begin work on phase 1 of the construction to prepare the facility to launch [[test article (aerospace)|prototypes]] of the large {{cvt|9|m}}-diameter [[methalox]] reusable rocket—[[SpaceX Starship|Starship]]—from a launch stand, which would fly from 39A on suborbital test flight trajectories with six or fewer [[SpaceX Raptor|Raptor]] engines. A second phase of the construction was planned for 2020 to build a much more capable launch mount capable of launching the entire Starship launch vehicle,<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/10/construction-starship-39a-facility-pace/|title = Construction of Starship 39A launch and landing facility picking up the pace|date = October 7, 2019|access-date = May 20, 2020|archive-date = June 20, 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200620104448/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2019/10/construction-starship-39a-facility-pace/|url-status = live}}</ref> powered by 33 Raptor engines and producing a total of {{cvt|72|MN|lbf}} liftoff thrust when departing 39A.<ref name="teslarati20192809">{{cite news|last1=Groh|first1=Jamie|title=SpaceX debuts Starship's new Super Heavy booster design|url=https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-ceo-elon-musk-debuts-starships-new-super-heavy-booster-design/|work=Teslarati|date=28 September 2019|access-date=8 October 2019|archive-date=September 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929122946/https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-ceo-elon-musk-debuts-starships-new-super-heavy-booster-design/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In August 2019, SpaceX submitted an Environmental Assessment for the Starship launch system at Kennedy Space Center.<ref>{{cite web |title=Draft Environmental Assessment for the SpaceX Starship and Super Heavy Launch Vehicle at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) |url=https://netspublic.grc.nasa.gov/main/20190801_Final_DRAFT_EA_SpaceX_Starship.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802123140/https://netspublic.grc.nasa.gov/main/20190801_Final_DRAFT_EA_SpaceX_Starship.pdf |archive-date=August 2, 2019 |access-date=20 September 2019 |website=NASA Public NEPA Documents |publisher=SpaceX}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> This document included plans for the construction of additional structures at LC-39A to support Starship launches, including a dedicated pad, liquid methane tanks, and a Landing Zone.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ralph |first1=Eric |date=18 September 2019 |title=SpaceX prepares to break ground on Starship launch facilities at Pad 39A |url=https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-breaks-ground-starship-super-heavy-florida-launch-pad/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200622151351/https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-breaks-ground-starship-super-heavy-florida-launch-pad/ |archive-date=June 22, 2020 |access-date=20 September 2019 |website=TESLARATI}}</ref> These are separate from the existing structures that support Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches.
In December 2021, SpaceX started construction of a Starship orbital launch pad on the site.<ref>{{cite tweet |number=1466797158737268743 |user=elonmusk |title=Construction of Starship orbital launch pad at the Cape has begun |date=December 3, 2021}}</ref>
On June 16, 2022, the first tower segment for the Starship orbital pad arrived at LC-39A.<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1537265405852516353 |user=NASASpaceflight |title=Here comes the first section for the Starship Launch Tower at KSC 39A!}}</ref> Stacking began on June 21, and the Starship launch mount was also under construction.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ralph |first=Eric |date=2022-06-22 |title=SpaceX begins stacking Florida Starship launch tower |url=https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-begins-stacking-florida-starship-launch-tower/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622220702/https://www.teslarati.com/spacex-begins-stacking-florida-starship-launch-tower/ |archive-date=June 22, 2022 |access-date=2022-06-23 |website=TESLARATI |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2024, an additional Environmental Impact Statement was underway to support an annual launch cadence of 40+ Starship launches.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Office of Commercial Space Transportation; Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Open a Public Scoping Period, and Hold Public Scoping Meetings |id=4910-13 |url=https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2024-10149.pdf |date=May 10, 2024 }}</ref>
==== Launch history ====
The first SpaceX launch from pad 39A was [[SpaceX CRS-10]] on February 19, 2017, using a Falcon 9 launch vehicle; it was the company's 10th cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.spacex.com/webcast|title=CRS-10 MISSION|last=spacexcmsadmin|date=2016-01-29|newspaper=SpaceX|access-date=2017-02-18|archive-date=November 26, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126023622/http://www.spacex.com/webcast/|url-status=live}}</ref> and the first uncrewed launch from 39A since Skylab.
While [[Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40]] (SLC-40) was undergoing reconstruction after the loss of the [[AMOS-6]] satellite on September 1, 2016, all SpaceX's east coast launches were from Pad 39A until SLC-40 became operational again in December 2017. These included the May 1, 2017, launch of [[NROL]]-76, the first SpaceX mission for the [[National Reconnaissance Office]], with a classified payload.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/03/spacex-falcon-9-echostar-23-slc-40-return/|title=SpaceX Static Fires Falcon 9 for EchoStar 23 launch as SLC-40 targets return|work=[[NASASpaceFlight.com]]|first=Chris|last=Bergin|date=March 9, 2017|access-date=March 18, 2017|archive-date=March 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309061003/https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2017/03/spacex-falcon-9-echostar-23-slc-40-return/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On February 6, 2018, Pad 39A hosted the successful liftoff of the Falcon Heavy on its [[Falcon Heavy test flight|maiden launch]], carrying Elon Musk's [[Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster|Tesla Roadster]] car to space;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/2018/02/06/technology/future/spacex-falcon-heavy-launch-mainbar/index.html|title=SpaceX launches Falcon Heavy, the world's most powerful rocket|last=Wattles|first=Jackie|work=CNNMoney|access-date=2018-02-06|archive-date=June 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621063256/https://money.cnn.com/2018/02/06/technology/future/spacex-falcon-heavy-launch-mainbar/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and the first flight of the human-rated spacecraft {{ComV|Dragon 2}}; ([[Crew Dragon Demo-1|Demo-1]]) took place there on March 2, 2019.
The second Falcon Heavy flight, carrying the [[Arabsat-6A]] communications satellite for Arabsat of Saudi Arabia, successfully launched on April 11, 2019. The satellite is to provide [[Ku band|K<sub>u</sub>-band]] and [[Ka band|K<sub>a</sub>-band]] communication services for the [[Middle East]] and [[North Africa|northern Africa]], as well as for [[South Africa]]. The launch was notable as it marked the first time that SpaceX was able to successfully soft-land all three of the [[SpaceX reusable launch system development program|reusable booster stages]], which were to be refurbished for future launches.<ref name="launch schedule">{{cite web|url=https://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/|title=Launch Schedule – Spaceflight Now|website=Spaceflightnow.com|access-date=February 20, 2019|archive-date=December 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224185459/http://spaceflightnow.com/launch-schedule/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The [[Crew Dragon Demo-2]] test flight launched with astronauts [[Bob Behnken]] and [[Doug Hurley]] from Launch Complex 39A on 30 May 2020, and docked to pressurised mating adapter [[PMA-2]] on the [[Harmony (ISS module)|Harmony module]] of the [[International Space Station|ISS]] on 31 May 2020.<ref>{{cite web|title=Upcoming Spaceflight Events|url=http://nextspaceflight.com/events/|website=nextspaceflight.com|access-date=1 May 2020|archive-date=April 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411224330/http://nextspaceflight.com/events/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="M20-050">{{cite web|last1=Potter|first1=Sean|title=NASA to Host Preview Briefings for First Crew Launch with SpaceX|url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-to-host-preview-briefings-interviews-for-first-crew-launch-with-spacex|website=NASA|access-date=30 April 2020|date=20 April 2020|archive-date=April 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421012629/https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-to-host-preview-briefings-interviews-for-first-crew-launch-with-spacex|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=NASA Astronauts Launch from America in Historic Test Flight of SpaceX Crew Dragon|url=https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-astronauts-launch-from-america-in-historic-test-flight-of-spacex-crew-dragon|access-date=30 May 2020|date=30 May 2020|archive-date=August 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820044825/https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-astronauts-launch-from-america-in-historic-test-flight-of-spacex-crew-dragon/|url-status=live}} {{PD-notice}}</ref> The first operational [[Commercial Crew Program|Commercial Crew]] mission [[SpaceX Crew-1|Crew-1]] was launched on November 15, [[2020 in spaceflight|2020]].<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://spacenews.com/spacex-launches-first-operational-crew-dragon-mission-to-iss/|title = SpaceX launches first operational Crew Dragon mission to ISS|date = November 16, 2020|access-date = April 8, 2021|archive-date = January 16, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230116232646/https://spacenews.com/spacex-launches-first-operational-crew-dragon-mission-to-iss/|url-status = live}}</ref>
SpaceX launched the [[IM-1|IM-1 robotic lander]] for NASA's [[Commercial Lunar Payload Services]] program on 15 February 2024,<ref name="nasa-24-031">{{Cite press release |editor-last=Fox |editor-first=Karen |editor2-last=Fisher |editor2-first=Alise |editor3-last=Ramji |editor3-first=Nilufar |editor4-last=Jaramillo |editor4-first=Antonia |date=February 15, 2024 |title=NASA Artemis Science, First Intuitive Machines Flight Head to Moon |url=https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-artemis-science-first-intuitive-machines-flight-head-to-moon/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240511014919/https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-artemis-science-first-intuitive-machines-flight-head-to-moon/ |archive-date=May 11, 2024 |access-date=February 20, 2024 }}</ref> returning the pad to Lunar missions since the end of the Apollo program. The Starlink Group 6-56 mission launched on 8 May 2024, and was the Falcon 9's 83rd launch from LC-39A. That milestone made the rocket family the pad leader for launches from that launch complex, surpassing the Space Shuttle's 82 launches.<ref name = "83 F9 Launches from LC-39A">
{{cite news
| last1            = Robinson-Smith
| first1           = Will
| title            = SpaceX poised to break Space Shuttle pad record with Falcon 9 Starlink mission
| work             = Spaceflight Now
| date             = 8 May 2024
| url              = https://spaceflightnow.com/2024/05/08/live-coverage-spacex-to-launch-23-starlink-satellites-on-falcon-9-rocket-from-florida/
| access-date      = 8 May 2024
| archive-url      = https://web.archive.org/web/20240508072902/https://spaceflightnow.com/2024/05/08/live-coverage-spacex-to-launch-23-starlink-satellites-on-falcon-9-rocket-from-florida/
| archive-date     = 8 May 2024
| url-status       = live
}}</ref>
== Launch statistics ==
{{#invoke:Chart | bar chart
| float = center
| width = 750
| height = 350
| stack = 1
| group 1 =  0:0:1:2:3: 1:2:2:1:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0: 0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0 <!-- Saturn V -->
| group 2 =  0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:2:3:4:5: 9:1:0:0:0: 3:4:4:1:4: 4:1:6:3:0: 3:3:3:1:0: 0:0:3:4:5: 3:3:0:0:0: 0:0: 0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0 <!-- Space Shuttle -->
| group 3 =  0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:12:2:1: 11:12:17:8:20 <!-- Falcon 9 -->
| group 4 =  0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0:0:0:0: 0:0: 0:1:2: 0:0:1:5:2 <!-- Falcon Heavy -->
| colors = Grey : Orange : SteelBlue : Gold
| group names = [[Saturn V]] : [[Space Shuttle]] : [[Falcon 9]] : [[Falcon Heavy]]
| x legends = 1965 ::::: 1970 ::::: 1975 ::::: 1980 ::::: 1985 ::::: 1990 ::::: 1995 ::::: 2000 ::::: 2005 ::::: 2010 ::::: 2015 ::::: 2020 ::::
| units suffix = _launches
| y tick marks = 5
}}
== Current status ==
[[File:SpaceX Launch Tower at Launchpad 39A.png|thumb|SpaceX's "orbital launch mount" at LC-39A for Starship with "catch arms" visible towards the base of the tower]]
The private American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company SpaceX has been the lease holder as of April 14, 2014.<ref name=flortoda/> The terms of the agreement gave SpaceX a 20-year exclusive lease to LC-39A.<ref name=leasedoc/> SpaceX has launched [[SpaceX launch vehicles|their launch vehicles]] from the pad<ref name=leasedoc/><ref name=flortoda/><ref name=tss20140321/> since the launch of the [[SpaceX CRS-10]] Dragon resupply mission in 2017,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Historic launch pad back in service with thundering blastoff by SpaceX – Spaceflight Now |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/02/19/historic-launch-pad-back-in-service-with-thundering-blastoff-by-spacex/ |access-date=2023-12-10 |language=en-US}}</ref> and crewed missions since the launch of the [[Crew Dragon Demo-2]] mission in 2020.<ref name="bloomberg-20200530">{{Cite news |last1=Hull |first1=Dana |last2=Johnsson |first2=Julie |date=May 31, 2020 |orig-date=May 30, 2020 |title=SpaceX Astronauts Reach Space Station After Milestone Voyage |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-30/spacex-set-to-retry-historic-rocket-launch-after-weather-delay |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240910011738/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-05-30/spacex-set-to-retry-historic-rocket-launch-after-weather-delay |archive-date=September 10, 2024 |access-date=December 10, 2023 |work=[[Bloomberg News]] }}</ref> Currently Pad 39A is used to host launches of astronauts on the [[Dragon V2|crewed]]-version of the [[SpaceX Dragon|Dragon space capsule]] in a [[public–private partnership]] with NASA.<ref name="sfn20140415" />
SpaceX assembles its launch vehicles horizontally in a hangar near the pad and transports them horizontally to the pad before erecting the vehicle to vertical for the launch.<ref name="sfn20140415" /> For [[United States Department of Defense|military]] missions from Pad 39A, [[payload]]s are vertically integrated, as that is required per a launch contract with the [[United States Air Force]].<ref name="sfn20140415" /><ref name="nsf20140728" />
== Lists of launches ==
=== Apollo program ===
For Apollo program launches from LC-39A see the list of [[List of Apollo missions#Saturn V|uncrewed]] and [[List of Apollo missions#Crewed missions|crewed]] Apollo missions.
=== Skylab program ===
For the uncrewed launch of the Skylab space station from LC-39A, see [[Skylab#Completion and launch|Skylab § Completion and launch]].
=== Space Shuttle program ===
For Space Shuttle program launches from LC-39A see [[List of Space Shuttle missions#Launches and orbital flights|List of space shuttle launches]].
=== SpaceX ===
For SpaceX launches from LC-39A see [[List of Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy launches]].
== Gallery ==
<gallery heights="200" widths="270">
File:Apollo 11 Launch - GPN-2000-000630.jpg|Apollo 11 launch at LC-39A (1969)
File:Enterprise KSC 1979.jpg|{{OV|101}} at LC-39A during the fit check tests (1979)
File:Space_Shuttle_Atlantis_at_Launch_Pad_39A.jpg|{{OV|104}} at LC-39A (2007)
File:39A SpaceX Deluge Test.webm|Deluge system test at pad 39A (2017)
File:SpaceX HIF at KSC LC-39A (27550168066).jpg|SpaceX Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF)
File:KSC-20190624-PH_KLS01_0056.jpg|Falcon Heavy at LC-39A (2019)
File:SpaceX_Starship_Launch_Tower_at_KSC.jpg|Construction of the future launch tower for the dedicated SpaceX Starship launch pad at LC-39A (2022)
</gallery>
== See also ==
{{Portal|Rocketry|Spaceflight}}
* {{annotated link|List of Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island launch sites}}
== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}
== External links ==
{{Commons category|Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A}}
* [http://science.ksc.nasa.gov/facilities/lc39a.html Launch Complex 39-A] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403135718/https://science.ksc.nasa.gov/facilities/lc39a.html |date=April 3, 2019 }}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAEjsS0i06k&feature=channel NASA-produced video tour of Shuttle on Pad 39A 1 month before launch]
* [https://www.flickr.com/photos/apacheman/sets/72157628298421411/with/6463141403/ photos of work areas and catacombs beneath Pad 39A]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20161011015650/http://www.astronautix.com/c/capecanaverallc39a.html Cape Canaveral LC39A] from ''[[Encyclopedia Astronautica]]''
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