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{{Infobox launch pad |
{{Infobox launch pad |
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| name = Launch Complex 48 |
| name = Launch Complex 48 |
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| image = |
| image = Launch Complex 48from the ISS.webp |
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| caption = |
| caption = Launch Complex 48 as seen from the [[International Space Station]] on May 2020 |
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| location = [[Kennedy Space Center]] |
| location = [[Kennedy Space Center]] |
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| short = LC-48 |
| short = LC-48 |
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| operator = [[NASA |
| operator = [[NASA]] |
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}} |
}} |
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Location | Kennedy Space Center |
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Short name | LC-48 |
Operator | NASA |
Launch Complex 48 (LC-48) is a multi-user launch site for small launchers and spacecraft. It is located south of Launch Complex 39A and north of Space Launch Complex 41.[1]
Began in November 2019, the construction of LC-48 was halted in March 2020 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Construction was resumed in June 2020, with the completion of the first pad in October 2020.[2]
LC-48 is designed as a "clean pad" to support multiple launch systems with differing propellant needs. While initially only planned to have a single pad, the complex is capable of being expanded to two at a later date.[3] With another pad constructed, LC-48 could support up to 104 launches per year, though actual usage is expected to be well below that.[1]
NASA had previously constructed LC-39C within the bounds of LC-39B with the purpose of serving small launchers, but the operational constraints of sharing the site on a non-interference basis with both the Space Launch System and OmegA launch vehicles, along with greater interest by commercial parties than originally anticipated, led NASA to pursue the construction of a dedicated launch site for this class of vehicles.[4]
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Facilities |
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Launch sites |
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