Support pedestals are moved into position just outside the doors of the Vehicle Assembly Building or VAB.

As part of NASA's Ground Systems Development and Operations Program at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, support pedestals are moved into position just outside the doors of the Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB. Inside, a large work platform is being removed from an upper level to the ground. The effort is part of modernization plans including flexible settings for multiple launch vehicles instead of the whole building supporting one design.

The Ground Systems Development and Operations Program is developing the necessary ground systems, infrastructure and operational approaches required to safely process, assemble, transport and launch the next generation of rockets and spacecraft in support of NASA’s exploration objectives. Future work also will replace the antiquated communications, power and vehicle access resources with modern efficient systems. Some of the utilities and systems slated for replacement have been used since the VAB opened in 1965. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/exploration/systems/ground/index.html Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann