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Complex 34 blast deflectors |
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These are the blast deflectors at the Complex 34 launch pad. Prior to a launch, one of the deflectors was
moved into place underneath the launch pedestal. The rails on which the deflectors traveled are visible
on the ground.
The deflectors weigh approximately 99 tons apiece, and are of a similar
design, but not exactly alike: one has a ramp angled at 80°, the other at 60°.
The launch pad itself is 430 feet in diameter, and eight inches thick. It is constructed of reinforced
concrete, and paved with refractory brick in the area around the launch pedestal. You can see in the
photo above where the refractory brick ends and the plain concrete begins.
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