Virtual Globetrotting: Spaceport

Virtual Globetrotting: Spaceport http://virtualglobetrotting.com/ A great way to explore everything that can be seen from space! en-us Copyright 2013 Fri, 14 Sep 2012 04:41:16 -0700 http://backend.userland.com/rss <![CDATA[Usuda Deep Space Center]]>

Usuda Deep Space Center
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By: kuressaare
@ 2012-09-14 04:41:16
Usuda Deep Space Center is a facility of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. It is a spacecraft tracking station opened in October, 1984. The main feature of the station is a 64 meter beam waveguide antenna. This was the first deep-space antenna constructed with beam-waveguide technology.

Before Usuda, the beam-waveguide construction, which dramatically simplifies installation and maintenance of electronics, was thought to offer poor noise performance. However, after the U.S. Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL) tested this antenna and found the noise performance was better than its conventional 64-meter antennas, it too switched to this method of construction for all subsequent antennas of their Deep Space Network (DSN).]]>

Tsukuba Space Center
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By: kuressaare
@ 2012-09-14 04:34:10
Tsukuba Space Center (TKSC) is the operations facility for the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) located in Tsukuba Science City in Ibaraki Prefecture. The facility opened in 1972 and serves as the primary location for Japan's space operations and research programs. Japanese astronauts involved in the International Space Station are trained in part here in addition to the training they receive at the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, in Houston, Texas.

The TKSC offers tours of the facility as well as an exhibit hall which features models of the H-II Transfer Vehicle and a full-sized mock-up of the KIBO module on the International Space Station.]]>

Tanegashima Space Center
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By: kuressaare
@ 2012-09-14 04:28:14
The Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC) was established in 1969, when the original National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) was formed. It is the largest rocket-launch complex in Japan (9,700,000 square meters) and is located in the south of Kagoshima Prefecture, along the southeast coast of Tanegashima. It is known as the most beautiful rocket-launch complex in the world.
On-site facilities include the following: the Yoshinobu Launch Complex, a launch site for large-size rockets like the H-IIA and H-IIB Launch Vehicles; Spacecraft Test and Assembly Buildings, where payloads of launch vehicles, satellites and explorers, are tested and assembled; and thd Spacecraft and Fairing Assembly Building. In addition , there are also tracking facilities in Tanegashima including the Masuda Tracking and Communication Station in the north, and the Uchugaoka Radar Station and the optical observation facilities in the west.
The TNSC’s main role is the management of satellites at every stage of flight including countdown, launching, and tracking. The TNSC is expected to play an increasingly important role as the demand for satellites grows.]]>

Jamesburg Earth Station
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By: skyeye
@ 2012-01-05 17:24:42
The Jamesburg Earth Station was built in the 1960s and was the first to receive live images from the moon during the 1969 Apollo landing. Included in the deal is 160 acres of land, an 11-storey antenna able to broadcast worldwide, a helipad, and a 3-bedroom home.

]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/jamesburg-earth-station/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/jamesburg-earth-station/ Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:24:42 -0800 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/jamesburg-earth-station/ 36.40255457 -121.64685108 <![CDATA[NASA X-33 launch facility]]>

NASA X-33 launch facility
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By: kjfitz
@ 2011-11-26 13:05:26
The Lockheed Martin X-33 was an unmanned, sub-scale technology demonstrator suborbital spaceplane developed in the 1990s under the U.S. government-funded Space Launch Initiative program. The X-33 was a technology demonstrator for the VentureStar orbital spaceplane, which was planned to be a next-generation, commercially operated reusable launch vehicle. The X-33 would flight-test a range of technologies that NASA believed it needed for single-stage-to-orbit reusable launch vehicles (SSTO RLVs), such as metallic thermal protection systems, composite cryogenic fuel tanks for liquid hydrogen, the aerospike engine, autonomous (unmanned) flight control, rapid flight turn-around times through streamlined operations, and its lifting body aerodynamics.

Failures led to the cancellation of the program as a federal program in 2001, but Lockheed Martin has conducted related testing, and has had successes as recently as 2009.]]>

Blue Origin spacecraft hangar and launchpad

Blue Origin spacecraft hangar and launchpad
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By: kjfitz
@ 2011-09-25 21:11:36
This is the hangar for the spacecraft. The launchpad it up the taxiway to the north.

Blue Origin is a privately funded aerospace company set up by Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos.

Initially focused on sub-orbital spaceflight, the company has built and flown a testbed of its New Shepard spacecraft design at their Culberson County, Texas facility. According to company statements, it initially planned on placing the New Shepard in commercial suborbital tourist service in 2010 with flights about once a week. However, the most recently publicized timetable states that Blue Origin will fly unmanned in 2011, and manned in 2012.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/blue-origin-spacecraft-hangar-and-launchpad/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/blue-origin-spacecraft-hangar-and-launchpad/ Sun, 25 Sep 2011 21:11:36 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/blue-origin-spacecraft-hangar-and-launchpad/ 31.39735800 -104.74706400 <![CDATA[Spaceport America]]>

Spaceport America
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By: KRL
@ 2011-08-31 08:06:19
Site of completed facility.

Older imagery shows no activity.

Link below to more info.]]>

Spaceport America
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By: KRL
@ 2011-08-31 08:06:19
Site of completed facility.

Older imagery shows no activity.

Link below to more info.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/spaceport-america-1/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/spaceport-america-1/ Wed, 31 Aug 2011 08:06:19 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/spaceport-america-1/ 32.99207100 -106.96297600 <![CDATA[Woomera Launch Area 5]]>

Woomera Launch Area 5
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By: kjfitz
@ 2010-04-28 16:41:30
Launch Area 5 at the Woomera Prohibited Area was a rocket launch site which supported a number of British experimental launches, including Britain's first, and as of 2008 only, satellite launch. It consisted of three separate launch pads, which supported 22 Black Knight sounding rocket launches, and four Black Arrow carrier rocket launches. Of the four Black Arrow launches, two were orbital launches, the first of which, on 2 September 1970, failed, and the second, on 28 October 1971, succeeded, placing the Prospero satellite into low Earth orbit.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/woomera-launch-area-5/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/woomera-launch-area-5/ Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:41:30 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/woomera-launch-area-5/ -30.94378500 136.52161200 <![CDATA[German sounding rocket launch location]]>

German sounding rocket launch location
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By: kjfitz
@ 2010-02-07 11:50:40
Between 1933 and 1964 numerous rocket experiments were carried out in the area of Cuxhaven, Germany.

]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/german-sounding-rocket-launch-location/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/german-sounding-rocket-launch-location/ Sun, 07 Feb 2010 11:50:40 -0800 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/german-sounding-rocket-launch-location/ 53.82517800 8.56478700 <![CDATA[NASA Wallops Flight Facility]]>

NASA Wallops Flight Facility
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By: kjfitz
@ 2010-01-26 15:54:07
Wallops Flight Facilitylocated on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, is operated by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Goddard Space Flight Center primarily as a rocket launch site to support science and exploration missions for NASA and other U.S. government agencies.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/nasa-wallops-flight-facility/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/nasa-wallops-flight-facility/ Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:54:07 -0800 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/nasa-wallops-flight-facility/ 37.85029000 -75.47109600 <![CDATA[Kapustin Yar Launch Complex 107]]>

Kapustin Yar Launch Complex 107
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By: kjfitz
@ 2010-01-20 19:16:25
Kapustin Yar is a Russian rocket launch and development site in Astrakhan Oblast, between Volgograd and Astrakhan. Known today as Znamensk (Russian: Знаменск), it was established 13 May 1946 and in the beginning used technology, material, and scientific support from defeated Germany. Numerous launches of test rockets for the Russian military were carried out at the site, as well as satellite and sounding rocket launches.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/kapustin-yar-launch-complex-107/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/kapustin-yar-launch-complex-107/ Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:16:25 -0800 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/kapustin-yar-launch-complex-107/ 48.59835200 46.28977800 <![CDATA[UFO landing port]]>

UFO landing port
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By: milwhcky
@ 2010-01-13 20:52:27
Aliens looking for a convenient spot to land their spacecraft are welcome to use this elevated landing pad created by Bob Tohak.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/ufo-landing-port/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/ufo-landing-port/ Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:52:27 -0800 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/ufo-landing-port/ 44.44391500 -87.83749900 <![CDATA[Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 15]]>

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 15
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By: kjfitz
@ 2010-01-02 12:40:26
Launch Complex 15 or LC-15 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is a launch complex which was used by LGM-25 Titan missiles between 1959 and 1964. It was originally built for conducting test flights of the Titan I, which made its maiden flight from LC-15 on 6 February 1959. LC-15 is the southernmost of the four original Titan launch complexes on Missile Row.

The last of ten Titan I launches from LC-15 occurred in September 1960. Following this, it was converted for use by the Titan II, which made the first of sixteen flights from the complex in June 1962. The last launch from LC-15 occurred on 9 April 1964.

Following the last launch, LC-15 remained active until its retirement from service in March 1967. Much of the complex, including the tower, launch stand and errector was demolished in June 1967. The blockhouse, cable tunnel, and parts of the launch table and ramp were abandoned in place, and are still standing.]]>

Launch Complex 31 (Shuttle Discovery debris storage)

Launch Complex 31 (Shuttle Discovery debris storage)
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By: kjfitz
@ 2010-01-01 23:00:11
All debris from the Shuttle Challnger disaster is currently maintained in a sealed former underground missile silo at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 31.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/launch-complex-31-shuttle-discovery-debris-storage/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/launch-complex-31-shuttle-discovery-debris-storage/ Fri, 01 Jan 2010 23:00:11 -0800 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/launch-complex-31-shuttle-discovery-debris-storage/ 28.45128700 -80.55537200 <![CDATA[Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Space Launch Complex 36]]>

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Space Launch Complex 36

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Space Launch Complex 36
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By: kjfitz
@ 2009-12-24 12:12:09
Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Space Launch Complex 36 (SLC-36), previously Launch Complex 36 (LC-36) was a launch complex at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The complex was used for the Atlas rocket between 1962 and 2005.

The complex consisted of two pads, SLC-36A and B. Notably, the complex was the launch site for the Pioneer, Surveyor, and Mariner probes. There were 69 and 76 launches from pads 36A and 36B, respectively. The Atlas rockets launched from Complex 36 were replaced by the Atlas V that launches from Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral.

Aviation Week reports the Air Force committed to lease SLC-36 to Space Florida for future use by the Athena III launch system.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-air-force-station-space-launch-complex-36/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-air-force-station-space-launch-complex-36/ Thu, 24 Dec 2009 12:12:09 -0800 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-air-force-station-space-launch-complex-36/ 28.46997400 -80.53990200 <![CDATA[White Sands V-2 Launching Site]]>

White Sands V-2 Launching Site
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By: kjfitz
@ 2009-09-28 15:48:47
White Sands V-2 Launching Site, also known as Launch Complex 33 is located in the White Sands Missile Range.

According to the National Park Service:

This site is closely associated with U.S. testing of the German V-2 rocket, the origins of the American rocket program, and the leadership of Dr. Werner von Braun (1912-1977). The V-2 Gantry Crane and Army Blockhouse here represent the first generation of rocket testing facilities that would lead to U.S. exploration of space.

It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1985.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/white-sands-v-2-launching-site/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/white-sands-v-2-launching-site/ Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:48:47 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/white-sands-v-2-launching-site/ 32.40157800 -106.37864100 <![CDATA[Iran Missile Test Facilities?]]>

Iran Missile Test Facilities?
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By: Gosell
@ 2009-05-20 07:27:12
Iran announced test of IRBM from "Semnan" test site. This is the most likely launch pad in the area.]]>

Iran Missile Test Facilities?
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By: Gosell
@ 2009-05-20 07:27:12
Iran announced test of IRBM from "Semnan" test site. This is the most likely launch pad in the area.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/iran-missile-test-facilities/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/iran-missile-test-facilities/ Wed, 20 May 2009 07:27:12 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/iran-missile-test-facilities/ 35.38499100 53.74259600 <![CDATA[Orbital 'Stargazer' Pegasus rocket launch platform]]>

Orbital 'Stargazer' Pegasus rocket launch platform

Orbital 'Stargazer' Pegasus rocket launch platform
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By: kjfitz
@ 2008-12-09 17:55:28]]>

Orbital 'Stargazer' Pegasus rocket launch platform
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By: kjfitz
@ 2008-12-09 17:55:28]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/orbital-stargazer-pegasus-rocket-launch-platform-2/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/orbital-stargazer-pegasus-rocket-launch-platform-2/ Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:55:28 -0800 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/orbital-stargazer-pegasus-rocket-launch-platform-2/ 35.05614700 -118.15098800 <![CDATA[NASA Vehicle Assembly Building]]>

NASA Vehicle Assembly Building
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By: kjfitz
@ 2008-12-09 16:27:20
The Vehicle (originally Vertical) Assembly Building, or VAB, is located at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. It is the fourth largest building in the world by volume. The building is halfway between Jacksonville and Miami, and due east of Orlando on Merritt Island on the Atlantic coast of Florida.

The VAB is the largest one story building in the world, and was the tallest building in Florida until 1974, and is still the tallest building in the United States outside an urban area.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/nasa-vehicle-assembly-building/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/nasa-vehicle-assembly-building/ Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:27:20 -0800 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/nasa-vehicle-assembly-building/ 28.57982800 -80.65552700 <![CDATA[Former USS Tripoli (LPH-10) now a Mobile Launch Platform (MLP)]]>

Former USS Tripoli (LPH-10) now a Mobile Launch Platform (MLP)

BEV

Former USS Tripoli (LPH-10) now a Mobile Launch Platform (MLP)
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By: kjfitz
@ 2008-11-10 12:00:57
She was decommissioned in 1995 and as of 2004, she was on loan to the Army, but remained laid up at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. In December 2006, the ship was towed to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where it now has a high-tech role as a launch platform with the nation's developing ballistic missile defense program. Three times the ship was towed some 100 miles off shore and used to launch small ballistic missiles, which are then intercepted by Terminal High Altitude Area Defense Missiles, test-fired from the Pacific Missile Range Facility. The last test in the series was performed October 26, when the ship fired a "scud-like" missile, which was successfully intercepted. The ship will be towed back to the San Francisco Bay Area for the winter. Kaua'i lacks a suitable land-based launch site, and the costs of building one would far exceed the approximately $600,000 per year it costs to use the old warship, so the vessel will return to Pearl Harbor for a second series of tests in late spring 2008.

The purpose of the Mobile Launch Platform is to provide a Sea Launch Option for Short To Medium Range Targets and provide a Seaborne Launch Platform for MDA Sensors.

The Mobile Launch Platform uses the former USS Tripoli as its launch platform. It is being utilized to provide the ability to present threat azimuth diversity for BMDS element Tests and it provides the ability to place Surface Sensors in remote ocean areas.

Recent accomplishments for the MLP are successfully Launching 2 Lance Missiles from the deck, completed Operational and Maintenance Modifications, and developed site plan for the Transportable Telemetry System (TTS).]]>

BEV

Sriharikota Space Launch Centre
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By: KRL
@ 2008-10-22 09:12:34
Site of India's recent unmanned, mapping the moon launch site. Link to news item below.]]>

Sriharikota Space Launch Centre
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By: KRL
@ 2008-10-22 09:12:34
Site of India's recent unmanned, mapping the moon launch site. Link to news item below.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/sriharikota-space-launch-centre/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/sriharikota-space-launch-centre/ Wed, 22 Oct 2008 09:12:34 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/sriharikota-space-launch-centre/ 13.71985400 80.23081500 <![CDATA[Russian Tsyklon-2 launch pad]]>

Russian Tsyklon-2 launch pad
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By: kjfitz
@ 2008-08-16 10:58:28
The Tsyklon was a Soviet/Ukrainian-designed expendable launch system, primarily used to put Cosmos satellites into low Earth orbit. It is based on the R-36 intercontinental ballistic missile designed by Mikhail Yangel and made eight launches, with seven successes, and one failure. All of its launches were conducted from LC-90 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome. It is sometimes designated Tsyklon-2A, not to be confused with the later Tsyklon-2 rocket. It was introduced in 1967 and was derived from the R-36 ICBM (NATO designation of SS-9, Scarp). It was retired in 1969.

It made its maiden flight on 27 October 1967.

Tsyklon was designed by the Yuzhnoe Design Bureau and manufactured by Yuzhmash (both in Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine). A derivative, the Tsyklon-3 is still in service as of February 2008.]]>

Project HARP (High Altitude Research Project) 16 inch gun barrel

Project HARP (High Altitude Research Project) 16 inch gun barrel
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By: kjfitz
@ 2008-08-04 23:12:28
Project HARP, short for High Altitude Research Project, was a joint project of the United States Department of Defense and Canada's Department of National Defence created with the goal of studying ballistics of re-entry vehicles at low cost; whereas most such projects used expensive (and failure-prone) rockets, HARP used a non-rocket spacelaunch method based on a very large gun to fire the models to high altitudes and speeds.

The project was based on a flight range of the Seawell Airport in Barbados, from which shells were fired eastward toward the Atlantic Ocean. Using an old U.S. Navy 16 inch (406 mm) 50 caliber gun (20 m), later extended to 100 caliber (40 m), the team was able to fire a 180 kilogram slug at 3600 meters per second, reaching an altitude of 180 kilometers. The program was cancelled shortly after this. The politics of the Vietnam War (then in its fifth year) and soured Canada/U.S. relations played their role in the project's cancellation. The project received just over 10 million dollars during its lifetime.]]>

NASA's Mobile Launch Platform
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By: kjfitz
@ 2008-07-15 10:20:13
The Mobile Launcher Platform or MLP is a two-story structure used by NASA, along with the Crawler-Transporter, to transport the Space Shuttle stack from the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) to either Launch Pad 39-A or 39-B at the Kennedy Space Center, as well as serve as the vehicle's launch platform. NASA's three MLPs were originally constructed for the Apollo Program to launch the Saturn V rockets in the 1960s and 1970s, and have remained in service to this day, with substantial alterations.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/nasas-mobile-launch-platform/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/nasas-mobile-launch-platform/ Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:20:13 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/nasas-mobile-launch-platform/ 28.59035100 -80.65162700 <![CDATA[Model rocket launch facility]]>

BEV

Model rocket launch facility
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By: kjfitz
@ 2008-01-27 19:29:10
Used by the cadets from nearby Huntsville Space Camp.]]>

BEV

Model rocket launch facility
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By: kjfitz
@ 2008-01-27 19:29:10
Used by the cadets from nearby Huntsville Space Camp.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/model-rocket-launch-facility/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/model-rocket-launch-facility/ Sun, 27 Jan 2008 19:29:10 -0800 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/model-rocket-launch-facility/ 34.71078900 -86.64594100 <![CDATA[Air Force Research Labs (AFRL) Edwards]]>

Air Force Research Labs (AFRL) Edwards
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By: kjfitz
@ 2007-11-27 12:35:30
Engine test stands and launch facilities to the SE including an intriguing facility in the side of a hill. All sorts of neat facilities around here.

The Edwards rocket propulsion facility has approximately 500 researchers, engineers, technicians, and support staff split almost 50/50 between government/military employees and support contractors.

The rocket propulsion group leads a national plan called Integrated High Payoff Rocket Propulsion Technology (IHPRPT) to identify needs, timetables, and demonstrable goals for improvements to rocket propulsion technology. Participants in the plan include all military services, industry, and NASA. The rocket group's research and test projects are intregal with the plan and its goals. Their efforts covers ballistic launch, spacelift, tactical, and spacecraft propulsion research and development, with the end goal of doubling the nation's rocket propulsion capabilities by 2010.

A key item in that plan is liquid fueled rocket propulsion component integration and testing, called Integrated Powerhead Demonstration or IPD. When complete, IPD technology will be available for application in future liquid rocket engines to enhance performance and save weight and costs. IPD is a combination of research efforts and validation testing to provide new, more efficient portions of the rocket engine that precondition and pump liquid fuels and oxidizers into the main engine. Dual-use components like Hydrostatic Bearings can be applied to rocket engines and commercial refrigeration units.

A major milestone for the research lab and facility occurred on 2 October, 1997. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the activation and completion of improvements to the lab’s historic Test Stand 1A. The stand is about to embark on its third era of testing the nation's rocket propulsion and launch capabilities. Initial use of the static test stand occurred in the 50's for full-up system testing of the Atlas Intercontinental Ballistic Missile. The test stand was modified in the early 60's for use in developing and testing the Apollo era Rocketdyne F-1 rocket engine that propelled man to the moon. The third era supports the efforts of Boeing/Rocketdyne, a candidate for the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) launch program. Their Delta IV family of launch vehicles relies on a new core rocket engine technology called RS-68. The engine is designed to generate 650,000 pounds of thrust and is fueled by liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen.

Other efforts at the lab include electric and solar propulsion research, High Energy Density Matter (HEDM) propellant research, and Theater Missile Defense testing. For the past fifty years, the facility and its personnel, teamed together with government and industrial partners, have provided the nation with rocket propulsion that fits its needs and anticipates the future.

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Centre d'Essais des Landes - French Missile Launch Site
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By: kjfitz
@ 2007-09-05 17:48:40
From the GE Forums.]]>

Centre d'Essais des Landes - French Missile Launch Site
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By: kjfitz
@ 2007-09-05 17:48:40
From the GE Forums.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/centre-dessais-des-landes-french-missile-launch-site/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/centre-dessais-des-landes-french-missile-launch-site/ Wed, 05 Sep 2007 17:48:40 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/centre-dessais-des-landes-french-missile-launch-site/ 44.35073700 -1.24214200 <![CDATA[Missile launch pad blockhouse]]>

BEV

Missile launch pad blockhouse
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By: kjfitz
@ 2007-08-20 14:16:02
This is launch complex 25 and 29 where the US Navy testes the Polaris, Poseidon, and Trident missiles.]]>

BEV

Missile launch pad blockhouse
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By: kjfitz
@ 2007-08-20 14:16:02
This is launch complex 25 and 29 where the US Navy testes the Polaris, Poseidon, and Trident missiles.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/missile-launch-pad-blockhouse/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/missile-launch-pad-blockhouse/ Mon, 20 Aug 2007 14:16:02 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/missile-launch-pad-blockhouse/ 28.43198400 -80.57688500 <![CDATA[Cape Canaveral remote operations control center (ROCC)]]>

Cape Canaveral remote operations control center (ROCC)

BEV

Cape Canaveral remote operations control center (ROCC)
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By: kjfitz
@ 2007-08-20 14:09:54
The Range Operations Control Center (ROCC) complex provides flight safety, weather, scheduling, and instrumentation target designation support in real time for each missile and space launch.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-remote-operations-control-center-rocc/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-remote-operations-control-center-rocc/ Mon, 20 Aug 2007 14:09:54 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-remote-operations-control-center-rocc/ 28.42902200 -80.59672800 <![CDATA[Plesetsk Cosmodrome]]>

Plesetsk Cosmodrome
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By: jbottero
@ 2007-05-29 13:19:14
It was originally developed by the Soviet Union as a launch site for intercontinental ballistic missiles. Construction started in 1957 and it was declared operational for R-7 rockets in December 1959. The urban-type settlement of Plesetsk in Arkhangelsk Oblast had a railway station, essential for the transport of missile components. A new town for the support of the facility was named Mirny, Russian for "peaceful". By 1997, more than 1,500 launches to space had been made from the site, more than for any other launch facility, although the usage has declined significantly since the breakup of the Soviet Union.

Recently (May, 2007) a new ICBM, called the RS-24 has been tested and launched there, and is seen as eventually replacing the aging RS-18s and RS-20s that are the backbone of Russia's missile forces. Those missiles are known in the West as the SS-19 Stiletto and the SS-18 Satan.]]>

SpaceX launch pad
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By: kjfitz
@ 2007-04-14 11:19:29
The Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) is a space-transportation startup company founded by Elon Musk. Its stated goal is to improve the cost and reliability of access to space "ultimately by a factor of ten". It is based in El Segundo, California, USA.

SpaceX is developing a family of partially reusable two-stage kerosene–liquid-oxygen launch vehicles.

The launch crew in the Marshall Islands comprises 25 persons, with 6 in mission control.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/spacex-launch-pad/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/spacex-launch-pad/ Sat, 14 Apr 2007 11:19:29 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/spacex-launch-pad/ 9.04795300 167.74291600 <![CDATA[Rotary Rocket vertical assembly building]]>

Rotary Rocket vertical assembly building

Rotary Rocket vertical assembly building
[Info] [GM] [BM] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2007-03-10 21:35:08
Roton was a concept developed in the late 1990s as a fully reusable Single Stage to Orbit (SSTO) manned spacecraft. Roton was intended to reduce costs of launching payloads into low earth orbit by a factor of ten. Gary Hudson championed the design and formed the startup Rotary Rocket, Inc, headquartered in a 45,000-square-foot facility at Mojave Airport. A full-scale test vehicle made three hover flights in 1999, but the company ran out of funds and closed its doors in early 2001.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/rotary-rocket-vertical-assembly-building/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/rotary-rocket-vertical-assembly-building/ Sat, 10 Mar 2007 21:35:08 -0800 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/rotary-rocket-vertical-assembly-building/ 35.05539100 -118.14985900 <![CDATA[Andoya Launch Complex]]>

Andoya Launch Complex
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By: kjfitz
@ 2006-08-26 00:59:15
Sounding rocket launch site. Andoya Rocket Range (ARR) is the world's northernmost permanent launch facility for sounding rockets and scientific balloons and is responsible for all scientific-related balloon and rocket operations in Norwegian territory. ARR provides complete services for launch, operations, data acquisition, recovery and ground instrumentation support. The range has conducted more than 650 rocket launches and hosted scientists and engineers from more than 70 institutes and universities.

ARR is located far north of the Arctic Circle. This high latitude location provides favourable conditions for studying various atmosphere and ionosphere phenomena using rockets, balloons, aircraft, and ground-based instruments.

Located six kilometres from airport, harbour and town facilities, the range complex offers:

* launch capability for rocket configurations up to 20 metric tons
* wide-band mobile and stationary telemetry stations, with slantrange system for tracking purposes
* extensive network of groundbased instruments, including ALOMAR
* range-hotel with 32 singlerooms, guest kitchen and relax-facilities
* a large impact area, permitting a variety of launch directions and rocket configurations without the need for guidance systems.]]>

Akita Launch Complex
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By: kjfitz
@ 2006-08-26 00:58:15
Sounding rocket launch site for Kappa series.]]>

Akita Launch Complex
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By: kjfitz
@ 2006-08-26 00:58:15
Sounding rocket launch site for Kappa series.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/akita-launch-complex/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/akita-launch-complex/ Sat, 26 Aug 2006 00:58:15 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/akita-launch-complex/ 39.56289000 140.06641400 <![CDATA[Aberporth Launch Complex]]>

Aberporth Launch Complex
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By: kjfitz
@ 2006-08-26 00:54:24
The Aberporth military test range is located on Cardigan Bay on the west coast of Wales. It already became associated with solid rocket tests during the Second World War. Development of surface-to-air missiles began there in 1948 and tests were made of re-entry and high-speed aircraft shapes in the 1960's. Due to the military nature of the site, the only sounding rocket launches have been to support military test operations.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/aberporth-launch-complex/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/aberporth-launch-complex/ Sat, 26 Aug 2006 00:54:24 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/aberporth-launch-complex/ 52.13711000 -4.55824300 <![CDATA[Full scale model of Russian space shuttle 'Ptichka']]>

Full scale model of Russian space shuttle 'Ptichka'

Full scale model of Russian space shuttle 'Ptichka'
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By: kjfitz
@ 2006-08-15 21:54:31
A full size model of Shuttle Ptichka is on display here in the test zone of Baikonur Spaceport in Kazakhstan while the original one is also nearby at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, in the MIK Building.

Shuttle Ptichka ("Птичка" meaning "little bird" in Russian) is an informal nickname for the second space shuttles to be produced as part of the Shuttle Buran program. It was never officially named. It is also known as Shuttle 1.02. It is distinguisable from the other shuttles as a red framework is attached to its roof.

"Ptichka" was also an informal nickname for all of the space shuttle orbiters. However, the formal theme for the whole orbiter project was "Stormy Weather" and "Burya" ("Буря" meaning "tempest" in Russian) was mentioned as a likely name for the spacecraft.

Construction of the second orbiter started in 1988, and although the orbiter was closest to being completed of any of the Buran shuttles (after the Shuttle Buran), it was never finished. The program was officially canceled in 1993, at which point the shuttle was 95-97% complete.]]>

Uchinoura Space Center (USC) launce complex
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By: kjfitz
@ 2006-07-10 16:49:52
The Uchinoura Space Center (USC) launches sounding rockets and scientific satellites and also manages tracking and data.
This space center was established in Uchinoura (now Kimotsuki), Kagoshima prefecture, in 1962 as part of the Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, when the original facility in Iwaki (now Yuri-Honjo), Akita prefecture, was closed down. In 1964, the space center became part of the Institute of Space and Aeronautical Science, University of Tokyo; in 1981 it became an independent research facility, the Kagoshima Space Center (KSC), attached to the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS). Its name was changed to the Uchinoura Space Center (USC) when the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) was formed.

More than 360 rockets and 23 satellites and probes have been launched from the Kagoshima Space Center since Japan’s first satellite, "Osumi," was launched in 1970. Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC) launches satellites for weather, broadcasting, and communications, while the USC’s main launches are for scientific purposes, such as astronomical survey satellites and planetary probes. These satellites and probes--AKEBONO, YOHKOH, GEOTAIL, HALCA, NOZOMI, and HAYABUSA--are currently on their missions. Also, sounding rockets, such as the S-310 and the S-510, have been launched to conduct research on the middle atmosphere and on space plasma.
Moreover, 20-meter and 30-meter antennas receive telemetry from satellites to track and control them while in the earth’s orbit. The 34-meter antenna can backup the 64-meter deep-space antenna at the Usuda Deep Space Center.]]>

Kakuda Space Center (KSPC)
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By: kjfitz
@ 2006-07-10 15:51:03
The Kakuda Space Center (KSPC) leads research and development in rocket engines, which are the hearts of the vehicles that carry satellites into outer space. Since the Kakuda Space Propulsion Laboratory (the former National Aerospace Laboratory of Japan) merged with the Kakuda Propulsion Center (the former National Space Development Agency), the KSPC has played an important role in improving rocket engines.

The main mission of the KSPC is the development and testing of liquid-fuel rocket engines to be installed in rockets such as the H-IIA. Construction of the High Altitude Test Stand, for test firing in a quasi-space environment, is currently in progress. The KSPC is also developing reusable rocket engines for reusable space-transportation systems of the future, and an air-breathing combined-cycle engine which will be used during atmospheric flights. The research is being conducted by simulation in the High Enthalpy Shock Tunnel.]]>

Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC) rocket engine test facility
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By: kjfitz
@ 2006-07-10 11:55:01]]>

Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC) rocket engine test facility
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By: kjfitz
@ 2006-07-10 11:55:01]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/tanegashima-space-center-tnsc-rocket-engine-test-facility/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/tanegashima-space-center-tnsc-rocket-engine-test-facility/ Mon, 10 Jul 2006 11:55:01 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/tanegashima-space-center-tnsc-rocket-engine-test-facility/ 30.37998400 130.96123700 <![CDATA[Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC) launch complex]]>

Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC) launch complex
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By: kjfitz
@ 2006-07-10 11:52:17
The Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC) was established in 1969, when the original National Space Development Agency of Japan (NASDA) was formed. It is the largest space-development facility in Japan (8,600,000 square meters) and is located in the south of Kagoshima Prefecture, along the southeast coast of Tanegashima. It is known as the most beautiful rocket-launch complex in the world.

On-site facilities include the Takesaki Range (for small rockets), the Osaki Range (for J-I and H-IIA launch vehicles), the Masuda Tracking and Communication Station, the Nogi Radar Station, the Uchugaoka Radar Station, and optical observation facilities to the west. There are also related developmental facilities for test firings of liquid and solid-fuel rocket engines.

The TNSC’s main role is the management of satellites at every stage of flight including countdown, launching, and tracking. The TNSC is expected to play an increasingly important role as the demand for satellites grows.
]]>

BEV

Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Memorial
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By: kjfitz
@ 2006-03-18 11:41:30
On January 28, 1986, the space shuttle Challenger exploded 73 seconds after lift off, killing all seven astronauts aboard. One of the crew, Ellison S. Onizuka, had become the first Japanese American astronaut the year before when he flew on a secret mission aboard the shuttle Discovery.

The Japanese American community in Los Angeles was deeply moved by the death of Onizuka for he had often visited Little Tokyo on his trips to Los Angeles and was the Grand Marshall of the 1985 Nisei Week Parade.

Isao Hirai, president of the Scale Model Company in Hawthorne, was commissioned to execute a model of the Challenger. He proposed a 1/10th scale model of the Challenger to fit the size and scale of the site. Like two earlier 1/25th scale models of the shuttle he constructed shortly after the Challenger exploded (one was displayed in a 1987 memorial service at the Nishi Hongwangi Temple), the model for the Onizuka Memorial was constructed from drawings supplied the builder of the shuttles, Rockwell International. Because of small differences in the design and exterior painting between each shuttle and each mission, all three of Hirai's models replicate the appearance of the Challenger on its last flight.

The shuttle for the Onizuka Memorial is 12'6" long, while the total length of the boosters, shuttle and fuel tank is 18'4". Each component is made of fiberglass reinforced on the inside with aluminum plates. Steel posts connect the shuttle to the 7' pedestal.]]>

BEV

Shuttle Mate-Demate Device (MDD) - Kennedy

Shuttle Mate-Demate Device (MDD) - Kennedy
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By: kjfitz
@ 2006-01-10 10:42:09
The Space Shuttle Mate-Demate Device (MDD) at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, Calif., is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist the orbiters off the ground during post-landing servicing operations and during mating and demating operations with the 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA).]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/shuttle-mate-demate-device-mdd-kennedy/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/shuttle-mate-demate-device-mdd-kennedy/ Tue, 10 Jan 2006 10:42:09 -0800 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/shuttle-mate-demate-device-mdd-kennedy/ 28.60060200 -80.67923800 <![CDATA[Southwestern Regional Spaceport]]>

Southwestern Regional Spaceport
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By: focusfree
@ 2005-12-15 12:50:28
The spaceport will be located within this undeveloped high resolution quad. White Sands Missile Range is located over the mountains to the east. The Rio Grade valley is to the west. Eliphant Butte Dam and the Jornada del Muerto segment of the Camino Real are to the north by northwest]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/southwestern-regional-spaceport/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/southwestern-regional-spaceport/ Thu, 15 Dec 2005 12:50:28 -0800 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/southwestern-regional-spaceport/ 32.88881300 -106.78299000 <![CDATA[Svobodny Cosmodrome]]>

Svobodny Cosmodrome
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By: romulusnr
@ 2005-12-02 15:05:22
Svobodny is a Russian rocket launching site used since 1996. It is situated at 51°42' N and 128°00 ' E. Originally constructed as a launch site for intercontinental missiles, it was planned as replacement for Baikonur, which became a foreign territory after the collapse of the Soviet Union, but the development was not finished because of financial difficulties. Since 1997 rockets were launched off launchers of the type Start-1. Certain launch sites can be modified for rockets of the Rockot (SS-19 based) class.
-Wikipedia]]>

Palmachim Air Base
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By: romulusnr
@ 2005-12-01 19:24:11
The Palmachim Israeli Air Force base houses rocket testing grounds and space launching facilities for the Israeli Defense Forces and the Israeli Space Agency. The Shavit rockets with Ofeq satellites were launched from this site. The base is also home to several IAF helicopter squadrons.
Also nearby is the Soreq (sometimes spelled "Sorek") Nuclear Research Institute which houses a small (5MW) nuclear research reactor.
-Wikipedia]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/palmachim-air-base/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/palmachim-air-base/ Thu, 01 Dec 2005 19:24:11 -0800 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/palmachim-air-base/ 31.91596000 34.71036000 <![CDATA[Satish Dhawan Space Centre]]>

Satish Dhawan Space Centre
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By: romulusnr
@ 2005-12-01 19:03:45
The Satish Dhawan Space Centre, located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, in India, is the launch centre for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Formerly known as SHAR, the site became operational in October 1971.
-Wikipedia]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/satish-dhawan-space-centre/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/satish-dhawan-space-centre/ Thu, 01 Dec 2005 19:03:45 -0800 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/satish-dhawan-space-centre/ 13.78290300 80.25203700 <![CDATA[Fort Churchill]]>

Fort Churchill
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By: romulusnr
@ 2005-12-01 18:46:56
Fort Churchill is a rocket launching complex located in Churchill, Manitoba. The site has been used on and off since the mid-1950s for sub-orbital launches of various sounding rockets during several major studies, but is currently unused.

The complex was first built in 1954 by the Canadian Army to study the effects of aurora on long distance communications. Later it was used by the US Army as part of its network of sounding rocket stations. In late 1960 a fire destroyed many of the facilities.

In 1995 Akjuit Aerospace announced it would spent $300 million to develop the site as Spaceport Canada. However, Akjuit Aerospace closed down operations in May of 1998, due to a lack of financing.
-Wikipedia]]>

Woomera Range E
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By: romulusnr
@ 2005-11-28 14:59:01]]>

Woomera Range E
[Info] [GM] [BM] [YM]
By: romulusnr
@ 2005-11-28 14:59:01]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/woomera-range-e/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/woomera-range-e/ Mon, 28 Nov 2005 14:59:01 -0800 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/woomera-range-e/ -31.14450900 136.81858100 <![CDATA[White Sands Space Harbor]]>

White Sands Space Harbor
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By: romulusnr
@ 2005-11-28 14:04:39
White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) operates the White Sands Space Harbor (WSSH), the primary training area for space shuttle pilots flying practice approaches and landings in the shuttle-training aircraft (STA) and T-38 chase aircraft. The STA is a Gulfstream II aircraft modified to mimic the flight characteristics and instrumentation on the shuttle and provides a realistic simulation of the shuttle's landing from high altitudes to touchdown. WSSH is located approximately 30 miles (50 kilometers) west of Alamogordo, NM, on the U.S. Army White Sands Missile Range.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/white-sands-space-harbor/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/white-sands-space-harbor/ Mon, 28 Nov 2005 14:04:39 -0800 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/white-sands-space-harbor/ 32.94299600 -106.41632100 <![CDATA[Poker Flat Research Range]]>

Poker Flat Research Range
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By: romulusnr
@ 2005-11-28 13:00:08
Poker Flat Research Range is the world's only scientific rocket launching facility owned by a university. Poker Flat is located approximately 30 miles north of Fairbanks, Alaska and is operated by the University of Alaska's Geophysical Institute under contract to NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, which is part of the Goddard Space Flight Center. In addition to launching sounding rockets, Poker Flat is home to many scientific instruments designed to study the arctic atmosphere and ionosphere.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/poker-flat-research-range/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/poker-flat-research-range/ Mon, 28 Nov 2005 13:00:08 -0800 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/poker-flat-research-range/ 65.12453300 -147.45832400 <![CDATA[NASA Wallops Research Airport and Main Base]]>

NASA Wallops Research Airport and Main Base

NASA Wallops Research Airport and Main Base
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By: romulusnr
@ 2005-11-28 12:42:34
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's Wallops Flight Facility, located on Virginia`s Eastern Shore, was established in 1945 by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, as a center for aeronautic research.
Wallops is now NASA's principal facility for management and implementation of suborbital research programs.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/nasa-wallops-research-airport-and-main-base/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/nasa-wallops-research-airport-and-main-base/ Mon, 28 Nov 2005 12:42:34 -0800 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/nasa-wallops-research-airport-and-main-base/ 37.93959474 -75.46534538 <![CDATA[Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center]]>

Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center
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By: TexasAndroid
@ 2005-11-15 10:34:02]]>

Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center
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By: TexasAndroid
@ 2005-11-15 10:34:02]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/jiuquan-satellite-launch-center/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/jiuquan-satellite-launch-center/ Tue, 15 Nov 2005 10:34:02 -0800 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/jiuquan-satellite-launch-center/ 40.96473400 100.28363200 <![CDATA[Hammaguir French orbital launch site]]>

Hammaguir French orbital launch site
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By: TexasAndroid
@ 2005-11-14 12:44:51]]>

Hammaguir French orbital launch site
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By: TexasAndroid
@ 2005-11-14 12:44:51]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/hammaguir-french-orbital-launch-site/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/hammaguir-french-orbital-launch-site/ Mon, 14 Nov 2005 12:44:51 -0800 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/hammaguir-french-orbital-launch-site/ 30.87762400 -3.06449900 <![CDATA[Suborbital Launch Site - El Arenosillo]]>

Suborbital Launch Site - El Arenosillo
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By: kjfitz
@ 2005-09-25 22:27:34
Spanish sounding rocket launch site. In use from 15 October 1966 to present.]]>

Suborbital Launch Site - El Arenosillo
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By: kjfitz
@ 2005-09-25 22:27:34
Spanish sounding rocket launch site. In use from 15 October 1966 to present.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/suborbital-launch-site-el-arenosillo/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/suborbital-launch-site-el-arenosillo/ Sun, 25 Sep 2005 22:27:34 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/suborbital-launch-site-el-arenosillo/ 37.09706900 -6.73549900 <![CDATA[Cape Canaveral Skid Strip]]>

Cape Canaveral Skid Strip
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By: robsv
@ 2005-08-15 23:10:02
This is runway 30/13 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, more commonly known as the "Skid Strip". The Navaho winged missile that was being tested at the Cape used the Skid Strip both as a landing site (to recover the X-10 missile body launched from Complex 9), and a launch site (three X-10 drone launches in support of the BOMARC program). It is now used to support Pegasus launches. In addition, the Strip is sometimes used for takeoffs and landing of aircraft.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-skid-strip/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-skid-strip/ Mon, 15 Aug 2005 23:10:02 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-skid-strip/ 28.46786100 -80.56703600 <![CDATA[China first manned spaceflight launch site]]>

China first manned spaceflight launch site

China first manned spaceflight launch site
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By: kjfitz
@ 2005-08-13 01:52:34
China's first launch center, also known as Shuang Cheng Tzu. Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre

It was China's first ballistic missile and satellite launch centre.

The launch site is just below the bottom point of the V where the roads meet.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/china-first-manned-spaceflight-launch-site/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/china-first-manned-spaceflight-launch-site/ Sat, 13 Aug 2005 01:52:34 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/china-first-manned-spaceflight-launch-site/ 41.13716700 100.28663600 <![CDATA[Xichang - China's orbital launch facility]]>

Xichang - China's orbital launch facility

Xichang - China's orbital launch facility
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By: kjfitz
@ 2005-08-13 01:40:01
China's launch site for geosynchronous orbit launches. Xichang Satellite Launch Centre is situated in Xichang, Sichuan Province, south-western China.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/xichang-chinas-orbital-launch-facility/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/xichang-chinas-orbital-launch-facility/ Sat, 13 Aug 2005 01:40:01 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/xichang-chinas-orbital-launch-facility/ 28.24557200 102.02762600 <![CDATA[Cape Canaveral Complex 46]]>

Cape Canaveral Complex 46
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By: robsv
@ 2005-08-03 18:35:38
This is the site of Spaceport Florida Authority launches (Lockheed Martin Athena I and II's). It formerly supported Trident II launches for the US Navy.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-complex-46/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-complex-46/ Wed, 03 Aug 2005 18:35:38 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-complex-46/ 28.45852500 -80.52859300 <![CDATA[Cape Canaveral Complex 21/22]]>

Cape Canaveral Complex 21/22
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By: robsv
@ 2005-08-03 18:31:37
This Complex was built in the mid-1950's to support Mace and Bull Goose winged missile launches. It consists of a "hardsite" (launch structure), a "softsite" (launch pad), a blockhouse, and other support structures. It was dismantled in the early 1970's.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-complex-21-22/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-complex-21-22/ Wed, 03 Aug 2005 18:31:37 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-complex-21-22/ 28.46065500 -80.54047100 <![CDATA[Cape Canaveral Complex 17]]>

Cape Canaveral Complex 17
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By: robsv
@ 2005-08-03 18:26:53
This two-pad Complex is used to support Delta launch opertions.]]>

Cape Canaveral Complex 17
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By: robsv
@ 2005-08-03 18:26:53
This two-pad Complex is used to support Delta launch opertions.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-complex-17/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-complex-17/ Wed, 03 Aug 2005 18:26:53 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-complex-17/ 28.44681700 -80.56586600 <![CDATA[Cape Canaveral Complex 19]]>

Cape Canaveral Complex 19
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By: robsv
@ 2005-08-03 18:06:26
Complex 19 was built in the late 1950’s to support Titan launches. In 1963, it was turned over to NASA and rebuilt to support Titan II launches for the Gemini program. It supported a total of twelve Gemini missions until it was deactivated in 1967.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-complex-19/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-complex-19/ Wed, 03 Aug 2005 18:06:26 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-complex-19/ 28.50688200 -80.55477300 <![CDATA[Sea Launch floating satellite launch site]]>

Sea Launch floating satellite launch site

Sea Launch floating satellite launch site
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By: kjfitz
@ 2005-08-01 23:28:31
(No longer in GL but still visible in Local Live's Bird's Eye View.)

A converted oil drilling platform, home ported at Long Beach Harbor, at the tip of a long finger of artificial land that was once part of the Naval Shipyard, is the only dedicated civilian satellite launch site on the West Coast. Satellites are delivered to this facility, and loaded on to a special ship which, along with the launch platform, travels thousands of miles south, to an equatorial launch site in the Pacific Ocean. This unusual but operational system is a joint project of Russian, Ukranian, and Norwegian companies, and is primarily owned and operated by Boeing. Since the first test launch in 1999, several communication satellites have been sent into orbit from this platform.]]>

Cape Canaveral Complex 13
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By: robsv
@ 2005-08-01 19:10:45
A dismantled Atlas launch Complex at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. It was built in 1958, and supported launches until it was deactivated in 1978. The red structure is the Mobile Service Tower (MST).]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-complex-13/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-complex-13/ Mon, 01 Aug 2005 19:10:45 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-complex-13/ 28.48592100 -80.54472000 <![CDATA[Cape Canaveral Complex 14]]>

Cape Canaveral Complex 14
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By: robsv
@ 2005-07-31 15:26:09
Launch Complex 14 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Though now dismantled, it supported 32 launches, including seven unmanned and four manned launches for the Gemini program. John Glenn's orbital flight was launched from this Complex.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-complex-14/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-complex-14/ Sun, 31 Jul 2005 15:26:09 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-complex-14/ 28.49113600 -80.54701600 <![CDATA[Cape Canaveral Complex 34]]>

Cape Canaveral Complex 34
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By: robsv
@ 2005-07-31 15:19:09
Complex 34 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. This was the site of the tragic Apollo 1 fire where astronauts Grissom, White, and Chaffee lost their lives. This Complex did support several unmanned launches, though the only manned one was Apollo 7. This Complex is currently deactivated.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-complex-34/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-complex-34/ Sun, 31 Jul 2005 15:19:09 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-canaveral-complex-34/ 28.52181500 -80.56130600 <![CDATA[Kodiak Launch Complex]]>

Kodiak Launch Complex
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By: kjfitz
@ 2005-07-19 15:18:25
Launch Pad 1, suitable for launching orbital missions, is serviced by an enclosed and movable gantry called the Launch Service Structure (LSS). Launch Pad 2, suitable for sub-orbital launches, is enclosed and serviced by the Spacecraft and Assemblies Transfer (SCAT) facility.

Other facilities include the Launch Control Center (LCC), a Payload Processing Facility (PPF), and an Integration Processing Facility (IPF). The SCAT, a movable structure roller mounted on rails, also provides all-weather indoor transfer of processed motors into the LSS.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/kodiak-launch-complex/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/kodiak-launch-complex/ Tue, 19 Jul 2005 15:18:25 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/kodiak-launch-complex/ 57.43513900 -152.33937600 <![CDATA[Space Launch Complex 1 - Vandenberg]]>

Space Launch Complex 1 - Vandenberg
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By: kjfitz
@ 2005-07-19 14:59:09
2 pads launched Thorad Agena D SLV-G2, and Thorad Agena D SLV-2H]]>

Space Launch Complex 1 - Vandenberg
[Info] [GM] [BM] [YM]
By: kjfitz
@ 2005-07-19 14:59:09
2 pads launched Thorad Agena D SLV-G2, and Thorad Agena D SLV-2H]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/space-launch-complex-1-vandenberg/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/space-launch-complex-1-vandenberg/ Tue, 19 Jul 2005 14:59:09 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/space-launch-complex-1-vandenberg/ 34.75694400 -120.62827300 <![CDATA[Space Launch Complex 2 - Vandenberg]]>

Space Launch Complex 2 - Vandenberg
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By: kjfitz
@ 2005-07-19 13:54:17
Delta Space Launch Complex (SLC-2) is used to launch the Delta vehicle is comprised of two independent launch facilities designated SLC-2E and SLC-2W. These complexes are located approximately 2000 feet apart. The complex contains storage tanks for fuel and oxidizer on opposite sides of the launch pad to provide a safe environment in the event of an accident or spill.

Note: It looks like there is a third complex just a few hundred yards to the NW that is no longer used or considered part of complex 2.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/space-launch-complex-2-vandenberg/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/space-launch-complex-2-vandenberg/ Tue, 19 Jul 2005 13:54:17 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/space-launch-complex-2-vandenberg/ 34.75392900 -120.62130000 <![CDATA[Space Launch Complex 3 - Vandenberg]]>

Space Launch Complex 3 - Vandenberg
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By: kjfitz
@ 2005-07-19 13:47:26
Atlas Space Launch Complex (SLC-3) is used to launch the Atlas space vehicle and has two different pads which are designated as SLC-3E and SLC-3W. These complexes are located approximately 1750 feet apart. Atlas fuel (RP-1) and oxidizer (liquid oxygen) along with high pressure gas storage facilities are located at the complex.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/space-launch-complex-3-vandenberg/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/space-launch-complex-3-vandenberg/ Tue, 19 Jul 2005 13:47:26 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/space-launch-complex-3-vandenberg/ 34.64133000 -120.59207400 <![CDATA[Space Launch Complex 4 - Vandenberg]]>

Space Launch Complex 4 - Vandenberg
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By: kjfitz
@ 2005-07-19 13:38:44
Titan Space Launch Complex (SLC-4) used to launch the Titan vehicle has two launch pads. One is designated SLC-4E and the other is SLC-4W. These complexes are approximately 3000 feet apart and are used exclusively by the Air Force to support Department of Defense missions.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/space-launch-complex-4-vandenberg/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/space-launch-complex-4-vandenberg/ Tue, 19 Jul 2005 13:38:44 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/space-launch-complex-4-vandenberg/ 34.63352000 -120.61310300 <![CDATA[Space Launch Complex 5 - Vandenberg]]>

Space Launch Complex 5 - Vandenberg
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By: kjfitz
@ 2005-07-19 13:35:32
Scout Space Launch Complex (SLC-5) is used to launch the Scout vehicle has only one launch pad and is designated SLC-5.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/space-launch-complex-5-vandenberg/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/space-launch-complex-5-vandenberg/ Tue, 19 Jul 2005 13:35:32 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/space-launch-complex-5-vandenberg/ 34.60896100 -120.62672900 <![CDATA[Space Shuttle Launch Pad - California]]>

Space Shuttle Launch Pad - California
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By: kjfitz
@ 2005-07-19 12:40:32
Space Launch Complex (SLC) 6

Three billion dollars down the drain. This site was built to launch the military fleet of shuttles. Inital plan was for twenty launches a year, then ten, then four, then two. It was eventually determined that maybe they could handle one a year.

There was also a lot of controversial reporting that the construction materials used were substandard.

As a June 1986 Senate report concluded: "While the Challenger accident has publicly been viewed as the reason shuttle missions cannot be performed at Vandenberg, the primary reason is the need to test and modify launch pad facilities, which, as currently built, could result in serious damage to the shuttle orbiter under certain, not improbable, circumstances."

Finally the whole plan was scrapped, but only after spending $3,000,000,000.]]>

ESRANGE (sweden)
[Info] [GM] [BM] [YM]
By: Thavox
@ 2005-06-28 07:03:53
The rocket launch site ESRANGE in in the northern of Sweden.]]>

ESRANGE (sweden)
[Info] [GM] [BM] [YM]
By: Thavox
@ 2005-06-28 07:03:53
The rocket launch site ESRANGE in in the northern of Sweden.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/esrange-sweden/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/esrange-sweden/ Tue, 28 Jun 2005 07:03:53 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/esrange-sweden/ 67.89173100 21.08242000 <![CDATA[Kapustin Yar Cosmodrome - Nuclear Warhead Storage]]>

Kapustin Yar Cosmodrome - Nuclear Warhead Storage

Kapustin Yar Cosmodrome - Nuclear Warhead Storage
[Info] [GM] [BM] [YM]
By: hkfczrqj
@ 2005-06-23 01:10:03]]>

Kapustin Yar Cosmodrome - Nuclear Warhead Storage
[Info] [GM] [BM] [YM]
By: hkfczrqj
@ 2005-06-23 01:10:03]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/kapustin-yar-cosmodrome-nuclear-warhead-storage/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/kapustin-yar-cosmodrome-nuclear-warhead-storage/ Thu, 23 Jun 2005 01:10:03 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/kapustin-yar-cosmodrome-nuclear-warhead-storage/ 48.79646300 45.75582500 <![CDATA[Guiana Space Center]]>

Guiana Space Center
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By: hkfczrqj
@ 2005-06-23 00:14:21]]>

Guiana Space Center
[Info] [GM] [BM] [YM]
By: hkfczrqj
@ 2005-06-23 00:14:21]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/guiana-space-center/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/guiana-space-center/ Thu, 23 Jun 2005 00:14:21 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/guiana-space-center/ 5.22983600 -52.77643200 <![CDATA[Plesetsk Cosmodrome / ICBM Launching Facility]]>

Plesetsk Cosmodrome / ICBM Launching Facility
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By: hkfczrqj
@ 2005-06-22 23:54:42]]>

Plesetsk Cosmodrome / ICBM Launching Facility
[Info] [GM] [BM] [YM]
By: hkfczrqj
@ 2005-06-22 23:54:42]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/plesetsk-cosmodrome-icbm-launching-facility/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/plesetsk-cosmodrome-icbm-launching-facility/ Wed, 22 Jun 2005 23:54:42 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/plesetsk-cosmodrome-icbm-launching-facility/ 62.95975900 40.68250200 <![CDATA[Baikonur Cosmodrome]]>

Baikonur Cosmodrome
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By: kjfitz
@ 2005-06-21 16:46:45
Use the Astronautix.com link for a map to over lay the google image. The Soyuz pad is in the upper right. Lots of SAM batteries scattered around too.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/baikonur-cosmodrome/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/baikonur-cosmodrome/ Tue, 21 Jun 2005 16:46:45 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/baikonur-cosmodrome/ 45.92013200 63.34210900 <![CDATA[Shuttle Landing Facility]]>

Shuttle Landing Facility
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By: stewc625
@ 2005-04-29 12:15:21
Space Shuttle Landing Strip at Kennedy Space Center]]>

Shuttle Landing Facility
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By: stewc625
@ 2005-04-29 12:15:21
Space Shuttle Landing Strip at Kennedy Space Center]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/shuttle-landing-facility/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/shuttle-landing-facility/ Fri, 29 Apr 2005 12:15:21 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/shuttle-landing-facility/ 28.61449200 -80.69595300 <![CDATA[Mojave Airport & Spaceport]]>

Mojave Airport & Spaceport
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By: Mojave
@ 2005-04-25 21:14:52]]>

Mojave Airport & Spaceport
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By: Mojave
@ 2005-04-25 21:14:52]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/mojave-airport-spaceport/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/mojave-airport-spaceport/ Mon, 25 Apr 2005 21:14:52 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/mojave-airport-spaceport/ 35.05788800 -118.15156500 <![CDATA[Vehicle Assembly Building]]>

Vehicle Assembly Building
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By: linuxone
@ 2005-04-19 11:27:44
One of the largest buildings in the world. Where the Space Shuttles are stored and worked on. Also Where the Saturn 5 rockets were once built.]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/vehicle-assembly-building/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/vehicle-assembly-building/ Tue, 19 Apr 2005 11:27:44 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/vehicle-assembly-building/ 28.58628000 -80.65128000 <![CDATA[Cape Kennedy Shuttle Launch Complex]]>

Cape Kennedy Shuttle Launch Complex
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By: nic
@ 2005-04-10 18:15:12]]>

Cape Kennedy Shuttle Launch Complex
[Info] [GM] [BM] [YM]
By: nic
@ 2005-04-10 18:15:12]]> http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-kennedy-shuttle-launch-complex/ http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-kennedy-shuttle-launch-complex/ Sun, 10 Apr 2005 18:15:12 -0700 http://virtualglobetrotting.com/map/cape-kennedy-shuttle-launch-complex/ 28.61157400 -80.61844800