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Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 48

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Launch Complex 48
Launch Complex 48 as seen from the International Space Station on May 2020
Map
Launch siteKennedy Space Center
Time zoneUTC−5 (EST)
• Summer (DST)
UTC−4 (EDT)
Short nameLC-48
EstablishedOctober 2020
OperatorNASA
Launch pad(s)1 (planned 2)
Launch history
StatusConstruction completed

Launch Complex 48 (LC-48) is a multi-user launch site for small launchers and spacecraft. It is located south of Launch Complex 39A and north of Space Launch Complex 41.[1]

Began in November 2019, the construction of LC-48 was halted in March 2020 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Construction was resumed in June 2020, with the completion of the first pad in October 2020.[2]

LC-48 is designed as a "clean pad" to support multiple launch systems with differing propellant needs. While initially only planned to have a single pad, the complex is capable of being expanded to two at a later date.[3] With another pad constructed, LC-48 could support up to 104 launches per year, though actual usage is expected to be well below that.[1]

NASA had previously constructed LC-39C within the bounds of LC-39B with the purpose of serving small launchers, but the operational constraints of sharing the site on a non-interference basis with both the Space Launch System and OmegA (now canceled) launch vehicles, along with greater interest by commercial parties than originally anticipated, led NASA to pursue the construction of a dedicated launch site for this class of vehicles.[4]

See also

References

Citations

  1. ^ a b Kelly, Emre (14 June 2019). "Meet Launch Complex 48, NASA's new small rocket pad at Kennedy Space Center". Florida Today. Retrieved 7 January 2020.
  2. ^ Iemole, Anthony (2020-12-22). "Kennedy Space Center Expands as Launch Complex 48 Opens for Operations". Retrieved 2020-12-23.
  3. ^ Draft Environmental Assessment for Launch Complex 48, 2019, pp. ii–iii, Proposed Action.
  4. ^ Draft Environmental Assessment for Launch Complex 48, 2019, p. 4.

Sources

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