NASA's Most Historic Launchpad
Launchpad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida sent the first astronauts to the moon, supported dozens of space shuttle missions, and now serves as a commercial launch site.
Pictured here: An aerial view of Launch Pad 39A taken during the Apollo era in 1976.
Early Construction
Construction of the launch complex began in 1963. Pictured here is the early construction phase of Pad 39A in July 1964.
A Flame Trench is Born
By September 1964, the hardstand on both sides of the flame trench beneath Pad 39A begins to take shape.
Concrete in Place
By November 1964, most of the concrete has been poured at Pad 39A.
Near Completion
Construction of Pad 39A was nearly complete by January 1965.
Warning Lights
Launch Complex 39's warning system lights, pictured here on May 25, 1966, included a light for Pad C, which was originally planned but never built.
Apollo 4
The first flight of a Saturn V rocket lifted off from Pad 39A on Nov. 9, 1967.
Apollo 6 Rollout
Apollo 6, the final unmanned test flight of the Saturn V rocket, rolls out to the launchpad in this photo taken in 1968.
Apollo 8
The first crewed spacecraft to orbit the moon, Apollo 8, stands on the launchpad prior to launch in December 1968.
Apollo 11
The Saturn V rocket that would carry Apollo 11 astronauts to the moon stands on the launchpad in 1969.
Mobile Service Structure
The Mobile Service Structure approaches the Saturn V rocket on pad 39A before Apollo 11's launch in 1969.
