Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB)

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Key Features

Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) Modifications under way to accommodate multiple rockets and spacecraft (video)

Small – Large (456 ft H max) vertical rocket integration
Able to withstand up to 125 mph winds
Floor load capacity of 12 million lbs
Cranes located throughout building
Handling and storage of hazardous/ nonhazardous commodities
480V, 3-phase power electrical service
Equipped with uninterruptible power supply and backup generator power

4 High Bays

2 High Bays located on East side and 2 High Bays located on West side
Total High Bay dimension: 442 ft L x 518 ft W x 525 ft H
Individually retractable doors (7 total)
- 456 ft (139 m) high external opening
2 High Bays open and lead to launch pads (East side)
3 of 4 High Bays capable of handling Mobile Launch Platform (MLP) for vertical stacking/integration
Cranes
- 2 – 250-ton bridge cranes (E-W) with 460 ft hook height
- 2 – 325-ton bridge cranes (1 between Cells 3-4 and 1 between Cells 1-2) with 462.5 ft hook height
- 1 – 175-ton bridge crane (length of transfer aisle) with 156 ft hook height
Communications
- Wireless Capability
- Connectivity to the Launch Control Center (LCC)

Vehicle Assembly Building

The massive Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB), standing 525 feet high, has supported human spaceflight activities for more than 50 years and provides capability to support a versatile array of operations well into the future. It is the largest vehicle integration facility in the space industry, with connectivity to KSC’s launch control centers and access to vertical launch pads. The building contains multiple work cells and high bays for potential use by commercial, non-profit, and Government entities with a diverse array of needs and requirements.

KSC has released an Announcement for Proposals (AFP) for private companies interested in using the VAB High Bay 1 (VAB HB1) for assembly, integration, and testing of launch vehicles. In addition to VAB HB1, the Center has a Mobile Launcher Platform (MLP) available for reuse in commercial space operations. This announcement supports Kennedy’s transformation to a multi-user spaceport based on effectively utilizing assets identified in the Center’s 20-year Master Plan.

Read the AFP here.