Space Exploration Stack Exchange
Space Exploration Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [launch-site]

Questions on launch complexes, spaceports or other locales for the launch of spacecraft.

172 questions
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2 answers

Why multiple lightning towers at launch sites?

Here is a picture of LC-40 at the Cape. The four tall towers are basically lightning rods. Why are four required? Wouldn't one be sufficient?
Erik
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Are there any benefits to launching from Vandenberg AFB instead of Cape Canaveral?

Launching from Cape Canaveral has many benefits, including launching over the ocean (in case something needs to be dropped off) and saving energy by being at a lower latitude than most of the United States. Like NASA, why doesn't the Air Force also…
Stu
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1 answer

What are the rectangular wires around Atlas V launch site?

You can see those wires spanning between four towers directly around the rocket in the following screenshot (taken from this video). I assume they are some kind of antenna or for some kind of measurement. I have also seen this setup in at other…
flawr
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7
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Negative impact of having the launch pad away from the Equator

I imagine a satellite meant for reaching a geostationary orbit will benefit most from it, but being near the Equator is surely an advantage to any space launch (right?). However, what's the impact of each degree south or north away from the…
Quora Feans
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What is the oldest functional Launch Complex?

Space Launch Complex 17 at Cape Canaveral was demolished today (July 12, 2018). It was first put into operation in 1957 and was last used in 2011. I was surprised to learn it was 60 years old. This makes me wonder what is the oldest remaining launch…
Dan Sorensen
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7
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Why did the Russians choose to locate their new spaceport at Vostochny?

I can understand why Russia would want a spaceport on their own territory. But when you look at where Vostochny is located, it looks like there are other, more southern, parts of Russia with their own benefits. Most obviously, if they're building…
Nick S
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Why did NASA take 39B vs 39A?

Since the 1960s, NASA used both Launchpad 39A and 39B. They seem fairly equal pads, but 39A is more "famous" for launching almost all Apollo spacecraft. Yet when NASA had a choice which one to lease out, they chose to keep 39B instead. Are the…
39a
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4
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Canso, NS as a launch site

I read a recent press release from Maritime Launch Systems and looked up their proposed launch site location in Nova Scotia, Canada. I don't understand why this location was chosen. If I were looking for a good launch site location, I would look for…
Maury Markowitz
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4
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Why rockets are launched from sea level and not highlands?

This Is a question that was buzzing me, but since every meter of altitude a rocket consume an absurd amount of fuel, wouldn't be more efficent launching rocket from higher altitudes? Thinking to places like El Alto in Bolivia that has 4,1 km above…
CoffeDeveloper
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Australian rocket launches

Is there a rocket launching facility in Western Victoria or Eastern South Australia, situated west of Warracknabeal in Victoria? I witnessed what appeared to be two stage launch whilst travelling North from Warracknabeal in late April 2016. Can…
Bob
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Selection of rocket launch sites

Viewed from above the North pole, earth's rotation is seen to be "anti-clockwise". Given this fact, any rockets launched from the eastern coast of U.S. have more chances of falling back onto inhabited areas to the west of a launch site, (in case of…
Niranjan
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