The launch pad of the Kennedy Space Center is one of the most prestigious and historic launch sites in NASA. This is the same place from where Neil Armstrong and his fellow left for the moon in 1969. Now, on 25 June 2025, Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will fly from the same launch pad 39A to the International Space Station (ISS) under the Axiom Mission-4 (AX-4). This is a proud moment for India. Come, let’s know in this historic launch pad.
Kennedy Space Center and Launch Pad 39
The Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is located on the merit island in Florida, USA. It was designed for NASA’s space missions in 1962. Launch pad 39, which has two parts – 39 A and 39B – is one of the world’s most important space launch sites. It has some major features and historical achievements …
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Neel Armstrong’s moon trip
On 16 July 1969, the Launch Pad 39A launched the Apollo 11 mission, with Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Colins left for the moon. Armstrong made history by taking the first step on the moon and said that this is a small step for me, but a big jump for humanity.
Apollo mission
The launch pad 39A and 39B launched all Apollo missions from 1967 to 1973, which were built to visit the moon. Subsequently, it also supported the Skylab and Apollo-Souse Missions.
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Space shuttle program
From 1981 to 2011, Launch Pad 39 worked for NASA’s Space Shuttle Missions. A total of 135 space shuttle missions, such as Discovery, Atlantis and Challenger, were launched from here.
Spacex contribution
Since 2008, the launch pad 39A has been leased by SpaceX. SpaceX has made it for Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy Rockets. Today, it has become the center of private space missions.
Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission and launch pad 39A
Shubhanshu Shukla’s Mission, Akiom Mission-4 (AX-4), Launch Pad 39A will be launched on 25 June 2025 at 12:01 pm Indian time. This is a historic moment for India, as Shubhanshu will be the first Indian astronauts who will go to ISS. Come, look at the important aspects of this mission …
Details of Mission: AX-4 is a private space mission, which is operating together Akiom Space, NASA and SpaceX. Shubhanshu will be the pilot of the mission and he will be accompanied by Commander Pagi Whitson (former NASA astronaut), Slavosha Uzni of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. The mission will be launched through SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and dragon spacecraft.
28 hours travel: The dragon spacecraft will take about 28 hours to reach ISS. This time is caused by class adjustment, safety check and precise docking process. The dragon has to do many phazen menworks to coordinate with the ISS orbit, which takes time.
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The work of Shubhanshu on ISS: Shubhanshu will stay on ISS for 14 days, where he will experiment 7 Indians and 5 NASA scientists. These include using moong and fenugreek, study of the effects of space on the human body and yoga. He will demonstrate Indian culture, such as sweets and a toy will take Hans (“Joy”).
Importance of launch pad 39A: The launch pad 39A has been used for historical missions like Neel Armstrong. Now this is the beginning point of the mission of Shubhanshu, which will add a new chapter to India’s space history. This pad is a unique confluence of modern technology and historicity.
Technical features of launch pad 39A
The launch pad 39A is designed for large and complex space missions. It has some special features …
- Craler-Transporter: It is a huge machine, which leads rockets from assembly building to launch pad. It can lift up to 3,000 tonnes.
- Launch Tower: The launch tower of pad 39A helps rockets such as fuel filling, adding payload and launching.
- Security facilities: The pad has emergency exit systems and fire fighting equipment, which ensure safety of astronauts and employees.
- SpaceX adaptation: SpaceX has changed the pad for Falcon 9 and Dragon, including automatic docking and landing systems.