Seeking better, faster, and cheaper solutions to space flight, Launch Pad 41 was recently modernized to accomodate the new generation of EELV-compliant rockets. The construction of this bold new launch facility involved the work of multiple contractors, of which MC2 (then Siebe Environmental Controls), was proud to be one.

Launch Pad 41

Originally constructed in the early 60's, Launch Pad 41 was used to launch the Titan IIIC launch vehicle and later the Titan 34D and Titan 4. During its years of operation several exciting launches occurred; most notably, the 1975 Viking missions to Mars, as well as the 1977 Voyager missions to the outer planets. After being deactivated in 1977, however, the pad lay dormant until 1986 when it was reactivated to support the Titan 4 rocket. It continued in this capacity until 1999, when the old launch pad was imploded to make way for a newer "clean pad", built under Air Force contract to Lockheed Martin, with MC2 being an integral part of the design and construction. This pad was designed to support the Atlas V rocket, Lockheed Martin's solution to the Air Force's new EELV paradigm.

EELV

EELV, or Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle, is an effort to develop a new Launch Vehicle to take over the responsibilities of the Titan 4 fleet and provide launch capabilities into 2020. The main goal is to reduce costs of launching satellites into space, while retaining the reliability of current launch vehicles. The Atlas V rocket, designed with these intentions in mind, required a radically different launch facility than the earlier rockets, and it was with this goal that the new launch pad was designed. The new missles are to be assembled in the VIF, or Vehicle Integration Facility, and moved over to the launch pad only hours before launch. This is in stark contrast to the old-style rockets, which were assembled on the pad itself.

MC2's Role

MC2 was charged with installation and verification of HVAC controls for the Vehicle Integration Facility, the VIF A/C shelter, and the Pad A/C shelter. Triple redundancy on nearly all devices was specified due to the sensitive nature of a launch. This required controllers, industrial sensors, industrial valves, and HMIs.

Proven Success

To date, a total of 3 Atlas V rockets have launched from Launch Pad 41, all successes. Amazingly these three missions were launched within an 11 month period, thanks to the "clean pad" concept. Built with MC2's help, the new launch pad directly accounts for the fast turnaround time between missions.