Location | Kennedy Space Center | ||||||
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Short name | LC-48 | ||||||
Operator | NASA Exploration Ground Systems | ||||||
Launch pad(s) | 1 (initial) | ||||||
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Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 48 (LC-48) is a multi-user launch site under construction for small launchers and spacecraft. It will be located south of Launch Complex 39A and north of Space Launch Complex 41.[1] LC-48 will be constructed 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.[2] With another pad constructed, LC-48 could support up to 104 launches per year, though actual usage is expected to be fall 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.[3]
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