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Boeing, Raytheon Top Off Nation's Newest Launch Tower

CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla., March 02, 2000 -- Workers from Boeing and Raytheon Engineers and Constructors took another step toward converting a historic Saturn 1 launch pad, at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Space Launch Complex 37 (SLC-37) today.

The final topping off girder was placed on a 330-foot mobile service tower at the nation's newest launch facility. The launch complex under construction at SLC-37 will support the Boeing Delta IV family of launch vehicles and will provide 360-degree access to the rockets while they are on the pad. Construction of the facility is approximately 60 percent complete.
Other interesting facts about SLC-37

Space Launch Complex 37 (SLC 37) -- Construction on the 130-acre site is about 60 percent complete as of March 1, 2000. Boeing contracted with Raytheon Engineers & Constructors to design and construct the complex. More than 32,000 cubic yards of concrete have been poured to construct the flame duct, the launch support shelter, the launch deck and the foundations for the gas farms.

SLC 37 was built in 1963 for unmanned Apollo launches. Eight successful missions were flown from the site; the first in 1964 and the last in 1968. The pad was deactivated in 1972.

For every acre of ground disturbed, three acres of land was grubbed and cleared so native plants and animals could flourish. Endangered species, including gopher tortoises and beach mice, were relocated.

Investment -- The Boeing Company is investing more than $250 million in the Delta IV Space Launch Complex 37 (SLC 37) facilities at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

Mobile Service Tower (MST) -- The 330-foot tall, nine-million-pound MST provides 360-degree access to the Delta IV rocket on the pad. A 50-ton crane will be used to lift the satellite into and the solid rocket motors onto the vehicle.

Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) -- The Delta IV rockets will be assembled in the six-story, 75,000-square-foot building. Five basketball courts would fit inside one of the two active 250-foot by 100-foot processing bays. The HIF is in the final stages of construction and is expected to be completed this summer.

Delta IV Operations Center -- For safety reasons, the launch control center and administrative offices will be housed two miles away from the SLC 37.

Hangar E -- The Delta IV logistics operations.

Common Support Building -- The beehive-shaped building at the entrance to the pad is being modified for use as a support facility for the complex. The structure was used as a blockhouse during the Apollo program.

Fuel Tanks -- Liquid oxygen (LOX) tank holds 250,000 gallons of LOX. Liquid hydrogen (LH2) tank holds 850,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen.

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Boeing Delta Web Site: www.boeing.com/delta

Contact Info:
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