Bomb shelters
The Space Shuttles have been described as bombs with wings. When they launch, the sound waves are so powerful, and the heat so intense, that either could kill people nearby.

The nearest observation area is 3.5 miles from the launch pad. But in the case of a contingency on the launchpad, there is a launchpad rescue team stationed in M133 Armored Personnel Carriers about 1.5 miles from the launchpad.

Here’s a shot of those M133’s from inside our tour bus. Note too the crawler paths in the foreground.

Kennedy Space Center
Titusville, Florida
November 2, 2010

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