Tunnels of Activity

The rumbling of space shuttle engins and the view of a spectacular liftoff are only a small part of what happens on launch day. I'm not talking about mission control or other visible support providers. I'm talking about support systems in the tunnels beneath Launch Pads 39A and 39B which are not as glamorous, however, they are very important to the overall success of a mission.

A series of rooms and connecting tunnels called the Pad Terminal Connection Rooms (PACR) were actually built above ground (prob cause KSC sits on ground that is near sea level)in the 1960s, before construction of the launch pads on top of it. The largest room in the PACR is called the Environmental Control System (ECS), which contains electrical lines, power systems, and air conditioning units that serve and power the launch pad area and shuttle.

From the moment the shuttle arrives at the launch pad, NASA employees and contractors are in the PACR keeping the shuttle and lauch pad's systems operating. About 12 hours before launch, workers prepare for hazardous gaseous nitrogen purges in the shuttle compartments. Once that is completed, NASA transfers ECS control to the Firing Room and all officials outside the blast area. From then it's all up to the "above the ground" operations personnel.