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Kennedy Space Center Expands as Launch Complex 48 Opens for Operations December 22, 2020 After planning began in 2016 for a small, multi-user launch pad at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Launch Complex 48 is now ready to support small to medium lift launch vehicles. The complex is the first new launch pad built at Kennedy since the 1960s when the much larger LC-39A and B pads, which have hosted the Apollo Saturn IB and V rockets, Space Shuttles, Ares I-X, Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavies, were constructed. The 10-acre complex is situated about one mile southeast of LC-39A, and one mile northwest of SLC-41, home of United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket. Pad 48 is what’s known as a “clean pad” design, meaning it gives multiple users, all with different launch systems, the ability to launch from the complex. This is part of NASA’s ongoing effort of encouraging commercial spaceflight development.

Launch complexUnited statesTom englerKeith brittonKennedy space centerKennedy space center planningUnited launch alliance atlasApollo saturnSpace shuttlesAresi xFalcon heaviesUnited launch allianceEnvironmental assessmentRapid unscheduled disassemblyLanding zonesCape canaveral space force station