Happy New year to everyone - whoot :-) . This video was a suggestion from Didu Tasev, a member of our facebook group who wanted to know more about the launchpads themselves. I thought that this was a good idea but limited to the most famous Launch Complex 39 at Cape Canaveral to give an overview of how it came into being and why it is, as it is. There are a lot of things in this that could be a subject in their own right, so maybe I'll expand on them at some point.
@Happyheftig5 жыл бұрын
Thank you for a long video Happy new year and greetings from germany
@ChurchOfThought5 жыл бұрын
Happy New Year Paul. Keep up the amazing and informative, valuable content. It improves all our lives even if its entertainment.
@edmccloskey96965 жыл бұрын
Ever in Frankfur Beers on me.. Prost!!!
@tomstratman99775 жыл бұрын
I was just at KSC last week and those pads are huge.
@daitonmorris22425 жыл бұрын
Knowledge is Power !!! #Glooking
@tenaciousrodent62515 жыл бұрын
To me, the cape is sacred ground. And i'm not even American.
@dragonsword73705 жыл бұрын
I'm American and I would think I'd feel the same way. I also feel like the launch facilities at the baikonur cosmodrome In Kazakhstan are the same way... hallowed ground brother!
@alpcns5 жыл бұрын
You can add me to that. Absolutely - sacred ground indeed.
@CuriousDroid5 жыл бұрын
Yep it sure is for anyone that has an interest in space, certainly me.
@robgwillim40095 жыл бұрын
Definitely hallowed ground to me as well. I'm very glad those pads are continuing to see use. After watching Atlantis Go up for STS-135 I was floored to see cutting torches in use on the shuttle infrastructure of 39A two days after lunch.
@rogeriopenna90145 жыл бұрын
I am Brazilian and I was crying like a baby when I visited the Apollo exhibition,specially when I laid my eyes on the holy relic,the Saturn V
@thejesuschrist5 жыл бұрын
I just visited both pads this last September. It was a GLORIOUS experience.
@bythetimeyoufinishedreadin90835 жыл бұрын
smh yea completely ignore the starving kids in africa
@nicosmind35 жыл бұрын
I thought you could be all places at once cause of Santa's travel magic?
@opheliabawles96465 жыл бұрын
Maybe ask your dad to get NASA a little more funding and the military can perhaps get a little less.
@randalledington47775 жыл бұрын
Jesus Christ watches Curious Droid?? That's great. Love you both.
@MichaelD-fn5lv5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Jesus, just thanks. Happy belated birthday btw
@thedungeondelver5 жыл бұрын
I worked at NASA/KSC in 2002 and going out to the pad areas was always a treat. Fun fact, between missions, if you're out on the pads there's no easy way to grab a cold drink or anything from the SSPF, VAB etc. (they're 20 minute drives away!) so underneath the pad there's power hookups for various "canteen" facilities: think about that the next time you watch a launch: someone was grabbing a cold drink right next to where that huge plume of flame and smoke is billowing out! :) I mostly worked in the ONC and SSPF areas, though. I think you should do a video on the milk stools remaining in place out there, too, from previous launches. Many of the "abandoned" areas of NASA are like Mayan or Aztec ruins now, overgrown "stone" structures in the mangroves...
@CuriousDroid5 жыл бұрын
Yes, there is a shot of the MSS next to the milk stool in the video and makes you realise just how big the 1st stage of the Saturn was when you see the Saturn IB in place of the Saturn V. It would interesting to see some of the hidden and forgotten places at the cape, have to see what we can find :-)
@thedungeondelver5 жыл бұрын
@@CuriousDroid I have a few photos, I would be proud to share them with you if I can find the CD they're burned to. I'll get you shots that don't have my ugly mug in them :)
@MrRandomdancer5 жыл бұрын
That would be fascinating, I love learning about forgotten or abandoned infrastructure.
@jjohnston945 жыл бұрын
20 minutes? How far are they, and/or how low is the speed limit?
@XxKINGatLIFExX5 жыл бұрын
That's fascinating what an interesting life you have lead. Can you tell us, how did you get your job there? What does somebody like me (21 year old graduate) have to do to work for NASA?
@MountainFisher5 жыл бұрын
Don't forget the lightning caused by the static built up by the exhaust. There was a system for it on the shuttle launch system if I recall correctly. I worked for Rockwell primary contractor for the shuttles.
@AngeEinstein5 жыл бұрын
tell us omething
@hoghogwild5 жыл бұрын
Wasnt the exhaust simply the source of ions and if Shuttle launched into certain types of clouds the ground and cloud charge would attempt to equalize via the rocket exhaust? Apollo 12 got nailed twice, once at MET-36.5 seonds and 52 seconds.
@MountainFisher5 жыл бұрын
@Miles Coverdale Love your monniker; at the launch site the clouds formed formed a static charge creating a huge lightning bolt.
@MountainFisher5 жыл бұрын
@@hoghogwild I was a biological engineer on the life support systems side. The launch physics wasn't in my purview.
@hoghogwild5 жыл бұрын
Understood, thank you. Working on such a project must have been hugely satisfying. In speaking with engineers that dealt with the Solid Rocket Motors/Solid Rocket Boosters, those guys felt more at ease after the stack cleared the pad, this is because it was always felt that if there was to be a Loss of Crew/Vehicle (LOCV) event involving the SRM's that they would explode on the pad moments after ignition. The teams working with the External Tanks breathed easier about 8-1/2 minutes into flight as that's when the mains shut down and the ET was jettisoned. 1)As a biological engineer at Rockwell, when exactly did your team begin to feel more at ease during a mission?(I'm willing to bet that it's a lot later in the mission than at just MECO(Min Engine Cut Off- lol) 2) I realize that you were professionally focused on life support systems, but did you ever come across any health/safety material in relation to the acoustical environment during launch and its effects on the "biological entities" aboard shuttle? 3) Was there any requirements from a life support/biological point of view that would affect Shuttle' maximum G load of 3 g's during ascent? Thanks In Advance!
@krispybacon50385 жыл бұрын
To other KZbin creators ,this is how you make videos. Always enjoyable and informative. Cheers.
@allanglennparreno54885 жыл бұрын
yes .. it is also its sad many people still push the flatturdia theory
@JB000925 жыл бұрын
I agree its a great.
@1_2_die25 жыл бұрын
It helps a lot to have a remarkable voice (1-in-10-million). Paul is a member of a very exclusive club: the Narrator Olymp ❤️ David Attenborough, Carl Sagan, Christopher Lee, Patrick Stewart, William Shattner and many more.
@dr.fistingstein15665 жыл бұрын
Chris P. Bacon Sr.
@jyuyd82743 жыл бұрын
I worked at NASA/KSC in 2002 and going out to the pad areas was always a treat. Fun fact, between missions, if you're out on the pads there's no easy way to grab a cold drink or anything from the SSPF, VAB etc. (they're 20 minute drives away!) so underneath the pad there's power hookups for various "canteen" facilities: think about that the next time you watch a launch: someone was grabbing a cold drink right next to where that huge plume of flame and smoke is billowing out! :) I mostly worked in the ONC and SSPF areas, though. I think you should do a video on the milk stools remaining in place out there, too, from previous launches. Many of the "abandoned" areas of NASA are like Mayan or Aztec ruins now, overgrown "stone" structures in the mangroves...
@Kingtad11365 жыл бұрын
I don't work there, but I do live on Florida's Space Coast. Launches are almost routine, and the only thing as spectacular as the Space Shuttle was is the Falcon Heavy (which SpaceX has only launched once, and holy hell, it was incredibly to watch from the beach). If any of you guys come to see a launch, wait for another Falcon Heavy launch, or come see a night launch. You really get to appreciate the scale of any of the rockets after dark.
@DaveLundy5 жыл бұрын
I was thrilled to get to watch the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery, STS-133, from a parking lot in Titusville. What an amazing sight!
@kevinb38125 жыл бұрын
Kingtad1136 To see a big launch is on my wish list! I got to see the Orion Capsule in the Lockheed Martin plant in Colorado. I really want to see it fly!
@Marc83Aus5 жыл бұрын
The next Falcon heavy should be launched in March. Wish I could be there, maybe some other time.
@Mosern19775 жыл бұрын
Its on my "bucket list" - hope to do it within the next decade. By that time it should be more common.
@oliverewarthopkins78185 жыл бұрын
Ahh the space coastline where Shuttle launches are as routine as catching a bus or going to the local supermarket.
@RavenBlaze5 жыл бұрын
The Crawler was built by Marion Power Shovel, in Marion Ohio (1 hour north of Columbus). My grandfather helped build it :-D
@jameswilliamson48565 жыл бұрын
Thank you for that bit of Info! I had no idea, but it makes perfect sense once you look at it.
@littlebitdaddy5 жыл бұрын
My father at one time worked for Marion Power Shovel.
@IanTester5 жыл бұрын
Aren't there two crawlers?
@w9gb5 жыл бұрын
Ian Tester Yes.
@w9gb5 жыл бұрын
Marion Shovels (and others) were used in Fulton County (IL) coal strip mines until late 1970s.
@arechenberg5 жыл бұрын
I work at NASA and I'm still learning about LC39. Didn't know about the MSS for Saturn V, and also didn't know about LC-39C. Thanks for the informative video. Cheers.
@alpcns5 жыл бұрын
Watching the launch and the roar of the mighty Saturn V still gives me goosebumps. They say the only thing more powerful (and more noisy) is a nuclear explosion. To me, it sounds like music. What a fantastic era that was - the vision, the courage, the technology, the science and the progress. Absolutely wonderful. Happy new year to all!
@robertyoung91364 жыл бұрын
Oh hell yeah, the sound from all 5 of those F1 engines in the 1st stage was at 160 decibels which would rupture your ear drums at a surprising distance from the launch pad .
@StuSaville5 жыл бұрын
3:34 When a 1960's NASA rig has cooler RGB lighting than your gaming PC in 2019...
@nyazillagojira70794 жыл бұрын
that tells you there is a GOD
@TregTube5 жыл бұрын
I thought “how interesting can a launch pad be?” Very, it turns out. Thanks again for a brilliant video!
@SCGATOR20015 жыл бұрын
Dr. Martin Uman was involved in the original design of the lightning protection system. He was one of my professors at the Univ. of Fla. For many years I saw him mentioned on various documentaries as probably the most knowledgeable lightning expert in the world. The last time I remember seeing him on TV, they were shooting small rockets up into thunderstorms to attract lightning to the ground :-) The life of an EE graduate student..... I Visited the Cape a couple of years ago with a tour that took us inside the VAB and up close to the 39 launch complexes. There was one shuttle inside as they were being prepared for transport for their final display destinations. In Green Cove Springs, there is a Shuttle center fuel tank that was taken by barge up the St. Johns river where it was to be moved to a museum for display. The tank was a spare that sits at a marina, it was used for fit up testing at the Cape. It is near where I stored my sailboat. It's hard to imagine how big these things are until you get up next to them! On the Cape tour is a Sat V on it's side, another must see. Out by the beach was a bunker covered in sandbags. It turns out there was no electricity out there so they ran a gas generator to power the cameras for Apollo launches. It turns out the first launch(s) was not filmed because the generator shut down, causse unknown. It turns out the sound was so intense that the sound waves boiled the fuel out of the carburetor hence the generator was placed in the bunker, problem solved.
@thegreenbean58915 жыл бұрын
Scrolling through the internet bored out of my mind and BOOM! Curious Droid upload. It just got interesting.
@spearhead7875 жыл бұрын
Yes I enjoy his very informative, factual and interesting uploads too. 👍😊
@sean516975 жыл бұрын
Nothing like watching another video of curious Droid along with a cup of tea.
@theyarehere89195 жыл бұрын
Cup of TEA? Oh brother.
@Bob314154 жыл бұрын
Yes. Tea. I agree.
@aldinelt72145 жыл бұрын
When I was a kid, my Dad took me down to Florida to see the Apollo 11 and 13 launches. We say 11 from Cocoa Beach and we were able to get right on the grounds for 13. Pretty impressive seeing the Apollo rocket on the launch pad. I'll never forget the sound and sight of Apollo 13. Amazing stuff.
@borisbuliak36264 жыл бұрын
Al Dinelt even though I’ve seen many launches before and afterwards I can’t get Columbia lift off of my mind. It was a nite launch, I guess no one knew at the time we were seeing it for the last time. I didn’t not c Challenger but for me the deaths of Columbia is personal it won’t leave me ever
@johnscanlon77573 жыл бұрын
@@borisbuliak3626 RIP
@NPrescott5 жыл бұрын
I have never clicked a video so fast!! Absolutely my favorite KZbin channel!! :D
@tmdpc5 жыл бұрын
Nathan Prescott - Totally agree. Paul’s content is fascinating and his production values are as good as anything on tv.
@j_f_kyoushallnotbeforgotte21915 жыл бұрын
You need to get out more and get a life
@Bandit1379.5 жыл бұрын
@@j_f_kyoushallnotbeforgotte2191 Says the person with apparently nothing better to do than be rude to people via YT comments? Hyppocrite, much.
@j_f_kyoushallnotbeforgotte21915 жыл бұрын
@@Bandit1379. quiet utube gal
@jimle225 жыл бұрын
Hi Scott, you brought back many memories to me having worked at launch pad 39B for 10 years as mechanical tech in Lox facility and another 10 years as Shuttle Data Center analyst and test conductor in the LCC. I retired in 2010 and so thank you so much for your informative updates and history. Makes me smile once again. Miss my work there.
@soin745 жыл бұрын
Who the hell gives a 17 minute long video a "thumbs down" six minutes after it was published? I thought channels like this one were idiot-proof.
@robcoIncorp5 жыл бұрын
a flat-earther the moment he heard the word orbit
@CuriousDroid5 жыл бұрын
Ahh, those flat Eather's, they have believers all around the globe :-)
@octap795 жыл бұрын
@@CuriousDroid hyper-lol
@PierreaSweedieCat5 жыл бұрын
@@CuriousDroid Ignore the 10 ignorants who did not like it. I liked it~!!!! And so say us all! Good channel. Good stuff. Good narration!
@104thDIVTimberwolf5 жыл бұрын
That would be the idiots (I know; I'm giving them too much credit) who think the Apollo program was a hoax.
@jomgelborn5 жыл бұрын
Paul is the best presenter on KZbin. Thank you sir.
@ZanZino5 жыл бұрын
I wish there was a ‘love’ or ‘awesome’ button as well as a ‘like’ button. A ‘like’ just doesn’t seem sufficient for your videos. One of the best so far! Keep up the excellent work in 2019. ❤️
@aviatorsteve56495 жыл бұрын
As usual interesting and superbly written, informative, and explained. Stephen.
@macbuff815 жыл бұрын
I love the detail regarding the gravel for the crawler
@BlackEpyon5 жыл бұрын
River rock makes sense. That way there are no uneven points in the roadway - It all flattens out under you. I ordinarily hate the stuff (I'm a landscaper), but this is one application for which I can't think of anything better to use.
@gezellig16345 жыл бұрын
However, a minor point perhaps, but the rocks came from Tennessee, not Alabama.
@IbakonFerba5 жыл бұрын
This was incredibly interesting, people tend to talk about the rockets more than about the launchpads, but they are quite important and interesting as well!
@thedungeondelver5 жыл бұрын
always a pleasure to see your new videos!
@huzzzer60835 жыл бұрын
ikr he's the only youtuber that has good content
@ultrametric93175 жыл бұрын
One of the most amazing stats to emerge from the Apollo program is this - the crawler moved with such precision that the tip end of the rocket - the very nib of the escape tower rocket - did not move out of vertical more than the width of a basketball. The platform was self-leveling as it moved along - each of the four trucks was continually adjusted to keep the rocket absolutely vertical to the ground.
@LazarusRemains5 жыл бұрын
Beautiful video. This ground has been hallowed by humanity's finest moments.
@mikercflyer73835 жыл бұрын
In 2011 we toured the complex after the last Shuttle flight what an impressive complex it is. In 1962 I worked for Rocketdyne space engine division producing the thrusters for the Gemini and Apollo those were exiting times.
@huzzzer60835 жыл бұрын
Yes! A new video! Time to get some popcorn...
@astroshlibber96545 жыл бұрын
frangible nuts
@moemensultan63745 жыл бұрын
Happy new year Paul Chillito . Best wishes :)
@alessandrofuligni40155 жыл бұрын
An instant classic, possibly one of the best videos ever made by Curious Droid! Thank you!
@mrfrog33505 жыл бұрын
I still remember when my dad took us on the tour of the Cape back in 1971 and Apollo 15 was on the pad.I was 7 years old,and thought that was the coolest thing ever.Thanks for the memories Paul! Thanks for posting,and Happy New Year from Detroit!
@asdsdjfasdjxajiosdqw87915 жыл бұрын
Do one about the Guiana Space Centre, please. It's very exciting how that is being upgraded constantly because of new types of rockets.
@kabkab84415 жыл бұрын
1958-GREAT YEAR!! NASA was formed, and I was born. GREAT VIDEO PAUL!!!
@SteverRob5 жыл бұрын
@Curious Droid Would be cool if you could take a look at the rocket engine test stands at Stennis Space Center. There are 4 main stands (A1, A2, B1 & B2) The two Bs are built together and supported the entire Saturn V main stage for cluster firing of all 5 F1s during Apollo. This stand has just been refitted to do similar testing for the entire SLS Core Stage and its 4 RS25s. Testing of the Core Stage should begin some time in 2019.
@CuriousDroid5 жыл бұрын
The testing of the F-1 engines is very interesting when they were trying to find out why the early ones were blowing up on the stand and the clock to the launches was ticking down.
@davidreeves49945 жыл бұрын
@@whyamibeingpesteredtogetahandl The explosions were due to combustion instability in the combustion chamber (a video on how they solved it /would be/ neat to see). The clock ticking down is a reference to the deadline to have a man on the moon by the end of the 1960's set by President Kennedy.
@brianarbenz72065 жыл бұрын
This was the most informative of all the KZbins I've seen on the U.S. space program. Excellent job, Curious Droid. I thought I knew it all from devotedly following space missions while I was growing up, but this taught me a whole I hadn't known! Thank you!
@Th3Nigma5 жыл бұрын
Love the new intro, you guys are really getting serious about delivering interesting, engaging content. I would love to work with a group like you guys some day.
@SaraBearRawr03125 жыл бұрын
I visited Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center in 2013 with my friends while we were their for a TSA (Technology Student Association) Conference - It was one of the best experience destinations that i have been to so far. The entire facility was so much more massive and complex than any video can do it justice, the history and engineering that you are surrounded by is breathtaking. The sight of walking into the Saturn V center is unlike anything I've ever seen before. The feeling of seeing this massive accomplishment of human ingenuity just hanging above your head in its massive and overwhelming glory made my eyes light up like a 5 year old. The engineers and scientists that could make such a massive enterprise possible are just unbelievable in their ingenuity and even now nearly 50 years after we touched down on the moon, people like myself can look at these symbols of the past that guide new explorers into the future and hope that one day we might live in a society where that one small step truly was just the start of many giant leaps for all mankind.
@cyclonefreak25685 жыл бұрын
Im close enough to where I can see rocket launch from LC-39A
@octap795 жыл бұрын
Totally hate you sir...
@loud_n_lowtaco2005 жыл бұрын
I can see any launch from there, and I have been in the VAB
@floridaarmyvet36135 жыл бұрын
Me too🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
@104thDIVTimberwolf5 жыл бұрын
I'm jealous!
@cyclonefreak25685 жыл бұрын
Next launch i will record and upload it to my youtube channel so you guys can see it
@Porksword655 жыл бұрын
I've been lucky enough to visit 39A and B and have managed to time holidays to coincide with two shuttle launches and also for the return of Atlantis after her final mission, awe inspiring does not describe it. The Saturn V hanger at Kennedy along with the Atlantis complex are two more jaw dropping moments. I love the content on this channel.
@ProfSimonHolland5 жыл бұрын
Wonderful stuff.
@CuriousDroid5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Simon, happy new year :-)
@tengoindiamike5 жыл бұрын
This is why I love The Curious Droid. For example, the detail about the crawler way, ‘Alabama River gravel’, is a detail I wouldn’t have even thought to think of.
@jjohnston945 жыл бұрын
I recommend Gunter Wendt's memoir, "The Unbroken Chain". He tells of a zipline escape system with an ordinary trampoline at the end for a safety stop, that got popular as a "ride" until NASA quashed it. He also tells the story of a NASA janitor who approached him and asked if he could bring his kids to look at the command module. He arranged for the janitor and the kids to come after hours one day, and they had the thrill of a lifetime.
@MichaelSHartman5 жыл бұрын
Some dad was a hero for life.
@brianarbenz72065 жыл бұрын
Let me guess -- that janitor was Pete Conrad and his kids were named Alan and Richard. And they accidently were launched to the... naw, that's too Disney!
@jjohnston945 жыл бұрын
@@brianarbenz7206 Then they all got colds in space and took Actifed.
@dirtymcgurdy55155 жыл бұрын
Paul, if you have never seen a launch I hope the opportunity presents itself. I was present for a Space Shuttle launch in 1991 and again in 2005 for STS-114. Nothing can prepare you for the scale and violence. It is just not possible to convey through research. Thanks for the work you put in making these videos. Always interesting. Always well done. Always something to look forward to !!!
@itsmylife86395 жыл бұрын
I see Curious droid notification, I click, simple.
@DesertRockfall5 жыл бұрын
Great presentation! You managed to cover many aspects of the KSC that were a mystery to many of us, and not covered anywhere else. You filled in many "blanks" in my knowledge of the space program, for sure! Keep up the good work, you have many loyal followers! I can't believe the 21 "dislikes"....jeeez. What the hell is wrong with people?
@eltostado33045 жыл бұрын
The fact we can build all this in 4 years is crazy.
@SaturnCanuck5 жыл бұрын
Great video, thanks. One of the most impressive complexes ever built. I am glad you documented this important part of space history. However, two things. While you are correct that five launch pads at Launch Complex 39 (LC-39) were to be built, with three first followed by the other two. As well you are correct that only two of these first three were built, but, they were to be numbered north to south as LC-39A, LC-39B and LC-39C. However, it was the southern-most two that were built necessitating LC-39C being renumbered as LC-39A. Also, while the VAB is now called the Vehicle Assembly Building, when originally built - due to its function and configuration - it was known as the Vertical Assembly Building. It was renamed as the Vehicle Assembly Building in 1974 as its function would be changing.
@ona485 жыл бұрын
LOVE watching Saturn V launches... those were the days.....it really was a brave new world
@randybentley26335 жыл бұрын
I was in the 8th grade on that fateful January day back in '86 and like most school kids that day we were watching the liftoff. The sight of the shuttle and the launch tower were awe-inspiring and firmly embedded a fascination with all things flight-related into my adolescent mind.
@mixererunio17575 жыл бұрын
Best shirt ever!
@HFamilyDad5 жыл бұрын
Yes please wear a max sexist one next time!
@SuperPostman5 жыл бұрын
And no links for shopping :-(
@SchubertDipDab5 жыл бұрын
I want that shirt! Great video as always. Thanks and Happy New Year! :)
@1KJRoberts5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the terrific historical and technical explanation of LC 39.
@bobl785 жыл бұрын
Workers walking next to the transport vehicle had to wear protective helmets to prevent any injury in case the Saturn V would have fallen on their head
@clivewells70905 жыл бұрын
Didn't they make them wear 2 helmets..?
@johnfrancisdoe15635 жыл бұрын
jonny j Yeah, helmets are in case gravel or dirt falls from the tower floors. That'll hit plenty hard from that height.
@sibbywoo5 жыл бұрын
bobl78 I doubt any of them would of survived if a Saturn V rocket landed on them :)
@benjaminrandall48274 жыл бұрын
Lol protective helmets made of of fricken vibramium
@carstars5 жыл бұрын
As a young boy visiting the vehicle assembly building and launch facility during the Apollo era was one of the most exciting times of my life. I vividly recall getting off the bus and walking thru the human sized entry door of the vehicle assembly building looking up and getting sick to my stomach due to the vertigo and disorientation of seeing such a large enclosed space. Then to look over at an Apollo spaceship being assembled. Magic. And just this week (January 2019) watching the amazing images coming from the New Horizons mission and knowing the old space port is alive and well.
@johnmcdougald12385 жыл бұрын
I've seen, as close as I could get, every Pad 39 Gantry's from the Skylab program up to the current incarnation now and it amazes me how they have been able to rework them over a relatively short time considering what they do. Story of Mr Wendt. I met him once at one of the Astronaut Hall of Fame inductions. I told him how, as a Kid, I'd always admired him since he was the last man on Earth to see and talk to the Astronauts before they were closed up and how he had to make sure so many things went and were right before it all happened. His frank response has stuck with me to this day: "I was just one of many people who had a job to do. My job was no more important than the Janitor, because, if he didn't do his job, I'd be up to my neck in Shit. My job was not more important." He told me this, after discovering I'd been sitting next to him the whole time during the Meet the Astronaut Luncheon that had John Young and Dick Crippen telling us about their journey to the Shuttle system. I off offhandedly mentioned to the "old man" sitting next to me how I thought the guy who locked them in and did all the checks in the White Room was probably the most important person in the program. I was telling the very man I admired, how much I admired him, and didn't even really know I was sitting right next to him having Lunch.
@kevinb38125 жыл бұрын
John Mcdougald Serendipity my friend!
@johnmcdougald12385 жыл бұрын
@@kevinb3812 Yes, my only regret was that I never had a chance to ask John Young the question I've had since I was in 6th grade and stood outside my classroom and watched the Shuttle go up. I've always wondered what his comparisons were between launching in a Saturn 5 and Launching in an STS. I've searched for a few years, online, and never seen any discussion on that.
@violet-kittychick5 жыл бұрын
If KZbin gave awards for the best presenters who are the most polite and professional when presenting their content you would win hands down. You are the best!!
@ajalvarez13875 жыл бұрын
Great video and it’s very interesting 🚀 happy new year🎆🥳👽
@amastri15 жыл бұрын
I visited Kennedy Space Center a week and a half ago we got real close to pads 39 A and B I asked a question of how much concrete each one was and the tour guide was very informative and did mention the rooms underneath. Your video was right on point with all the information good job!
@trumuh5 жыл бұрын
Great videos
@wouterschoenmaker87225 жыл бұрын
Love these chewable bits of obscure space history! Stuff you don’t normally see on mainstream documentaries. Perfect research as usual! Happy NY!
@1812jacko5 жыл бұрын
*sees notification* *Taps eagerly*
@newdefsys5 жыл бұрын
I lived and worked on the Space Coast for about a year, back in the mid-90's. Saw several launches not only from Kennedy Space Station but also from Patrick Air Force Base. It was always a special treat to watch a launch. The Space Shuttle was particularly powerful and I still remember the windows of my apartment on Merritt Island rattling to the point that I thought they were going to shatter.
@jonkki5 жыл бұрын
Where's your JOIN button?
@cedrdar5 жыл бұрын
Great job on this video, CD! And timely watching it just after the 50th Apollo 11 anniversary. Excited, as most are, to see what SpaceX will continue to do with this historic part of America's space program.
@dragon_deeeez81585 жыл бұрын
Fun fact: I was born the exact day of the challenger explosion
@borisbuliak36264 жыл бұрын
Joe Milillo young one. That was also the same year of the Chernobyl disaster. Just thought I let you know, it was a pretty dark year
@csn62345 жыл бұрын
Paul, this is a fascinating video. Easily your best production yet. Well done, man.
@jamesryan62245 жыл бұрын
"What happened?" lol The truth is, obama is what happened. Remember? He said we didnt need NASA.
@cyrbuzz66154 жыл бұрын
James Ryan Obama sucked ass!!!
@boatguy644 жыл бұрын
Most all Democrat politicians are for spending $$$$ on b.s. but against spending it on something we actually benefit more than it costs
@wbarnesmerseymail5 жыл бұрын
This Video is perfect timing as ive just recently built a model of the Saturn V from kit. I have decided that I would like to make a model of the LUT from scratch. Your video provides good information which I will use for my model. Thank you Curious Droid.
@JeremyWS5 жыл бұрын
When are we gonna build a space elevator?
@JeremyWS5 жыл бұрын
@@user-ef5pk8ck5v I like to believe that we just don't have the advanced scifi tech to do it, yet.
@ergohack5 жыл бұрын
Not until we have a reason to build one on a lighter planet where our current materials are up to the task. (Edit) Here on Earth, I think something like an orbital ring makes more sense due to its much higher capacity.
@DJ-bh1ju5 жыл бұрын
I would think it becomes less and less likely every year as the number of satellites and bits of orbital debris increases. How can you have a fixed structure with that much stuff up there whizzing around?
@ergohack5 жыл бұрын
@@DJ-bh1ju I think if we put in the investment of building a structure that large, we'd be fine with the relatively small extra cost of installing a few high powered auto-targeting lasers or something.
@ferdinand74675 жыл бұрын
Maybe never. There are not only easier solutions, but also better ones. The biggest proposed structure, which will enable enormous throughput, is the orbital ring. For the near future, a smaller and actually doable version of the space elevator is the skyhook, a large tether in space than can "pull" stuff from suborbital flight into orbit
@numgun5 жыл бұрын
Man, this was an astonishing video. I was sitting on my chair with my jaw open the whole time at just how huge, complicated, smart, cool the entire thing and its individual parts are. Definitely one of the coolest videos to end year 2018 with, thank you CD!
@edmccloskey96965 жыл бұрын
How many V2 rockets did the west and USSR get off the Germans post war.? Great Video...
@dragonsword73705 жыл бұрын
50 to over a hundred I'm sure. Slave assembly line production facilities churned out faulty but many models before the us and then the so iet armies showed up to scrounge for tech.
@edmccloskey96965 жыл бұрын
@@dragonsword7370 Cheers.. Always stagers me the capacity of the German war machine even at dying end of the war... Have a great 2019 ! Slainte!!!!
@cavemanballistics63385 жыл бұрын
My father was a guidance control engineer for NASA 1965-70. We lived in Cocoa Beach a watched many launches. It was a dream time in my childhood.
@JustinY.5 жыл бұрын
Plot Twist: It's the entrance to area 51
@abritinspace5 жыл бұрын
You beginning to like space?
@TheSilentCartgraph3r5 жыл бұрын
KZbin employees on shifts running this "Justin Y" thing to encourage engagement by users.
@therongperson5 жыл бұрын
It's the entrance to Uranus.
@philnolan71935 жыл бұрын
The HD footage of the Space Shuttle main engines firing up through to lift-off is so amazing, excuse the pun, but blows me away every time I watch it. I think it is so fascinating what goes on behind the scenes to make any launch possible
@TheSilentCartgraph3r5 жыл бұрын
What is the main eurorack sequencer you use?
@CuriousDroid5 жыл бұрын
Oberkorn, Intellijel Metropolis, Polyend Seq, plus a few other modules that do similar sequencing duties
@StaK_19805 жыл бұрын
@@CuriousDroid hot damn! As much as I love space videos, I think there is at least a video or two introducing those ! :-O
@paultorbert69295 жыл бұрын
i am so poor, but my Beatstep Pro and Keystep are fun lil sequencers..... where can i hear your music ????
@CuriousDroid5 жыл бұрын
I got those too, eurocrack keeps me poor but hopefully, i can start to get some music out soon
@paultorbert69295 жыл бұрын
i am just getting started....i've been trying to create "song format" sequencer jams.... i came to the synth dark side from the guitar world...... this is my first fully synth/sequencer jam: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWm6d6uZa6iXq6c and if i havent told you, YOUR channel is one of my Faves !!!! i Love the depth and detail that you bring to each topic !!!! Best of Fortune on ALL Your endeavors !!!!!!!
@markbell97425 жыл бұрын
Some 50+ years ago during my model rocket days, I built a plywood box to carry my launch platform, battery power, cables, solid rocket engines, nichrome igniters, accessories, etc. The box was painted red with 'LC 39A' stenciled in block letters in yellow on two sides. Cheers, Mark
@sfctw15 жыл бұрын
NASA: builds sophisticated escape system for engineers in case of emergency the USSR: xaxaxa too bad tovarish))))))
@linecraftman39075 жыл бұрын
N1 explosion be like ))))))) Oops woman tovarich we kill your hoosband
@vladimirseven7775 жыл бұрын
@@linecraftman3907 It actually exploded like small nuclear bomb. Long ago was video of that explosion with people running and burning, but I cannot find it on youtube. Several engineers from company (control systems, known as p/o-67 these days or "Khartron" now) where my mother worked was there and died.
@olexp90175 жыл бұрын
Of course tovarisch the engineers were more expensive for NASA than dead cheap astronauts.
@dragonsword73705 жыл бұрын
@@olexp9017 it wasn't manned.
@dragonsword73705 жыл бұрын
I mean during the three catastrophic failure it suffered.
@maxsmodels5 жыл бұрын
I knew a former Boeing engineer who worked on the Apollo LUT (launch umbilical tower) in the 60s. He said it took 3 engineers, a rep from Boeing, NASA and the construction contractor, each of whom had a key, to open the drawers that held the blueprints. That way no one made a change without all of the key principals being present to approve them.
@mcapps15 жыл бұрын
NASA 2006: No Billy Bob you can't launch your own rocket you built. NASA 2019: Launch pad for rent, inquire within.
@panther1055 жыл бұрын
Had no idea of the complexity of the supporting infrastructure of all these launching platforms. Brilliant research and reporting as always. Thank you.. .
@alext90675 жыл бұрын
If we didn't waste so much money on the military, we'd have enough to horse around in space. We might even have enough left over to help some of the people in this country that have fallen on hard times, like veterans that are homeless and live on the street. No. That's silly. This is America, where your free to make your own choices on how you want to starve with no help from the gov't. Bully.
@clivewells70905 жыл бұрын
@@Idahoser11 you obvs don't know your constitution has been usurped, chum...p. jus sayin. IMHO.
@celluskh60095 жыл бұрын
Funny you treat the constitution sacred when it was made by guys who won a tax revolt, who then made an amendment to build an army to suppress the next tax revolt.
@alext90675 жыл бұрын
@@Idahoser11 From what I can gather for your disjointed response, you believe that gov't is in the business of defending. All well and good. But why is our USA gov't all over the map fighting with everyone? Seems like a business to me. Like they need a reason to exist. Who's threatening the US? Like nobody?
@celluskh60095 жыл бұрын
lda... what? are you high?
@alext90675 жыл бұрын
@@celluskh6009 Ummm, what?
@guidor.41615 жыл бұрын
Great to get some background info. I was lucky to be there to follow the last night launch of space shuttle - awesome
@BobMcCoy5 жыл бұрын
*_Elon Musk has left the chat_*
@Test4Echos5 жыл бұрын
@@cosmicwakes6443 That's a Boring comment.
@bigratkiller15 жыл бұрын
@@cosmicwakes6443 you are plainly just a twat
@ergohack5 жыл бұрын
@@cosmicwakes6443 Care to explain why you think he is a liar and criminal?
@bigratkiller15 жыл бұрын
@@cosmicwakes6443 And your irrefutable sources for this information are????
@Apollorion5 жыл бұрын
@@cosmicwakes6443 Then all the people in the US that have some power are criminals.
@larrydeem30715 жыл бұрын
Great video, I did some work on the VAB and had chance to tour it from top to bottom. It's hard to describe being at the very top and looking down. There was part of a shuttle in one bay and you could really get a sense of how much bigger the Saturn 5 was.
@bassmith448bassist53 жыл бұрын
In 1969 I was 5 years old. My dad took me to the public viewing area to watch Neal Armstrong and his crew make history. At 2 miles away I could just barely make out the rocket sitting on the pad. When the countdown reached zero there was an intensely bright flare as the F1 engines ignited but the rocket had almost cleared the tower by the time the sound reached us. The noise and the vibration were the most intense I've ever experienced. As an American, I am extremely proud to have been a very small part of that historical event. I just wish that we could have that sense of national unity that we had then instead of the divisiveness and tribalism that we have now.
@briankrueger11425 жыл бұрын
Another fantastic video. I really enjoy your work. All the best to you in 2019.
@andie_pants5 жыл бұрын
I love how you can take a subject that I would consider pretty well known already, and research details that make it fresh and interesting.
@MudderFukker-m6g5 жыл бұрын
The "Unsung Engineering Marvels" of the Apollo and Shuttle launches. The spectacle of the rockets igniting and vehicles lifting off are the focus of everyone's attention yet none of it would be possible without the platform and all of its features. Lots of great trivia, thanks.
@LMBC6Brian5 жыл бұрын
Absolutely fascinating stuff. My family and I did the KSC museum and Saturn V rocket tour and its mind blowing what we did as a nation 50 years ago all the way up to 2011. All the people that were working there seemed depressed that the shuttle program was over and had no issue telling you that. Also seeing all that empty land between the KSC building and the launch pads was surreal. To imagine all those empty roads were just filled with traffic back in the day when those launches would happen. Now they are just empty highways only used by the tour buses.
@marc-antoinemetivier28545 жыл бұрын
That was crazy interesting! Thanks curious Droid! My favorite video from you so far!
@olaaf_eu95 жыл бұрын
Finally a new video from Curious Droid! Keep up the amazing work.
@johngray85805 жыл бұрын
I didn't work at NASA but I got to witness Apollo 15 launch pretty close up. I was US Navy on board an aircraft carrier (USS Independence). We were sent down to Florida along with other ships to keep Russian ships away from the launch. We were just over 3 miles off the coast and if not involved in work we were allowed to go up on the flight deck to watch. It was incredible! The noise was deafening and the entire ship vibrated, and that was a very large chunk of steel. Unforgettable.
@thomasfholland5 жыл бұрын
Awesome times at launch pad 39a. Glad I got to relive this through your video. Happy New Year everyone.
@ThisIsMyRealName5 жыл бұрын
Happy New Year thomasfholland !
@majorswizzbee11575 жыл бұрын
Thank you SO MUCH for the hard work you put into making these videos. Consistently grabs and holds my attention. Hard to find on youtube nowadays, so again thank you.
@Skirliegirl4 жыл бұрын
Best KZbin video ever!! I have been waiting for a launch complex documentary for years!! I grew up in the 70s and 80s, and I always had an interest in space travel and to me, one of the most fascinating aspects will always be the launch; all that heat and power...I never tire of watching clips, especially the Apollo Saturns. However, the whole launch complex with the flame trenches and rubber room is so interesting, so THANK YOU Paul for this gem of a piece! Top notch!!! Out of interest...did anyone ever use the rubber room or sit in there during a launch? 🌟
@harry9795 жыл бұрын
I'm glad you made this video.I hadn't even thought about the construction until this
@WildBillHabiki5 жыл бұрын
it's a lot to take in but honestly this is the best rocket/space channel on KZbin. Thank You
@iteerrex81665 жыл бұрын
The enormity and the complexity of the mechanical electrical and chemical engineering, especially that 50 years before it the airplane wasn't even invented.. just unreal. Goes to show that we could be amazing if we get together. Happy new year Curious Droid :)
@8MoonsOfJupiter4 жыл бұрын
Thank you - that was absolutely fascinating!! I was fortunate enough to visit the KSC way back in 1979 and have never forgotten the tour we did of those very launch facilities - it was magical for a 13yr old and just as magical to revisit them in your video!!
@carlstenger58934 жыл бұрын
Great video, Thanks! I was born in '59, so I've been watching launches since the very beginning of human spaceflight. It's nice to see human flights launching again, thanks to SpaceX.