Launch Complex 39's (LC-39) Pad A and Pad B were originally designed to support the Apollo program
and were modified for Space Shuttle launch operations. Major changes included the erection
of a new Fixed Service Structure (FSS), addition of a Rotating Service Structure (RSS), and
the replacement of the Saturn flame deflectors with three new flame deflectors. The upper
portion of the Saturn V Launch umbilical tower was removed from two of the Apollo Mobile
Launchers and installed at the pad to serve as the FSS.
Payload activities at the LC-39 launch pads take place in the Payload Changeout Room (PCR),
a class 100,000 clean room located on the RSS (see photo above). The RSS moves to a position
which covers the orbiter payload bay doors. The PCR doors then open and the orbiter payload
bay doors then open into the PCR to give access to the payload bay. Typical payload activities
include payload cleaning, late access payload servicing and final closeouts.
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