Gemini LC 19

On Fri, 31 Oct 2003 20:26:39 +0100, "Capcom"
wrote:

Hi everybody,

On the LC 19 pad used by Gemini program, what is the "mini tower" and
"mini
table" near the umbilical tower of Titan 2 ?

How are mated the spacecraft atop the launcher ? I dont see crane à
top the
"erector". Its a similar process for to mate the launcher ?

thank for answers

There was a smaller second "erector" and "mini table" on Titan launch
pads
to allow the second stage to be test fired. It was removed from LC-19
before the manned portion of the Gemini program, I believe.

Take a look at this image:

http://www.geocities.com/titan_1_mis.../Titan_pad.jpg

This is one of the four Titan ICBM pads at Cape Canaveral. They were
LC-15, LC-16, LC-19 and LC-20. This picture shows a Titan I ICBM
being readied for a test flight. LC-19 was later used by Project
Gemini.

On the lower left side of the pad, notice the smaller covered orange
flame bucket? There used to be a smaller erector and "mini table"
above it. Early in the Titan program, launch pads had a smaller second
erector and "mini table" to allow static firing of the second stage
separately from the first stage.
A similar test stand was first built in Denver by Martin Marietta to
static fire Titan ICBM's.

Now look at this pictu

https://www.patrick.af.mil/heritage/...ges/efbstz.jpg

The first stage of the rocket has already been lifted into place by
the erector and positioned on the pad. The second stage is then placed
onto the hoizontal erector, by truck, through the opening in the top.
It is then lifted into place by the erector and connected to the first
stage.

The picture below is a time lapse photo showing operation of the
larger erector.

http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online...s/spacelc6.jpg


--
Rusty Barton - Antelope, California

Visit my Titan I ICBM History Website at

http://www.geocities.com/titan_1_missile/index.html