"Pad Avoidance Maneuver"?



Pad damage

"Approximately two hours after launch of Ares I-X, safing crews
entering pad LC-39B reported a small cloud of residual
nitrogen tetroxide leaking from an obsolete shuttle oxidizer line
at the 95-foot-level of the Fixed Service Structure, where it
connects to the Rotating Service Structure. At 8:40am on
October 29, 2009, a hydrazine leak was detected on the
95-foot-level, between the Payload Changeout Room and
the Fixed Service Structure. Both leaks were capped without
injury.[18]'

Due to the Pad Avoidance Maneuver performed by Ares I-X,
shortly after liftoff, the Fixed Service Structure at LC-39B
received significantly more direct rocket exhaust than occurs
during a normal Space Shuttle launch. The resulting damage
has been reported as "substantial," with both pad elevators
rendered inoperable, all communication lines between the pad
and launch control destroyed and all outdoor megaphones melted.
The vehicle-facing portions of the Fixed Service Structure appear
to have suffered extreme heat damage and scorching, as do the
hinge columns supporting the Rotating Service Structure.[19]"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ares_I-X