RocketSTEM Issue #14 - March 2017 | Page 39

Crew members of space shuttle Discovery’s STS-133 mission (left) ride in an M-113 armored personnel carrier, which is kept at the foot of the launch pad in case of an emergency. The Mobile Launch Platforms (right) have served both the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs, and have undergone renovation to also be used for the SLS program. Closeup view of Launch Pad 39A (below) showing both Service Structures, the Flame Trench and a MLP with Atlantis atop it. Credit: Chase Clark 37 www. RocketSTEM .org 37