LAUNCH COMPLEX 34 FACT SHEET

By Cliff Lethbridge

Aerial View Of Launch Complex 34 Circa 2018

Configuration: Single Blockhouse, One Launch Pad

LAUNCH PAD 34

Current Status: Inactive

First Launch: October 27, 1961

Final Launch: October 11, 1968

Number of Launches: 7

Vehicles Launched: Saturn I Block I, Saturn IB

Launch Complex 34 was constructed for the NASA Saturn I rocket program. The complex was built at a cost of about $6.2 million. Construction began in June, 1959 with acceptance by NASA on January 10, 1962. The site featured a single blockhouse and single launch pad, serviced by a large mobile service tower. The complex was slated for the early manned Apollo flights, but was the site of a great tragedy. A fire claimed the lives of astronauts Gus Grissom, Ed White and Roger Chaffee on January 27, 1967. This is known as the Apollo 1 fire. Launch Complex 34 eventually did support the first manned Apollo mission, Apollo 7. Today Launch Complex 34 is abandoned in place. The blockhouse survives intact, as does the large concrete launch pedestal on the launch pad. A memorial service for the perished astronauts is held at the launch pad on January 27 of each year.