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National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Goddard Space Flight Center



Astrophysics Science Division | Sciences and Exploration

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XRS-2 XRS-2
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XRS-2 → Photos →M-V and launcher →Launch Tower and Flame Deflector

The launch tower, um, towers in the background against a sky the color of television, tuned to a dead channel. In the foreground the concrete curve of the flame deflector is discolored and spalled from the flames of multiple rockets. (61K JPEG)

Here's the front side of the launch tower. When it's time to launch, the blue and white door on the left side opens up and the rocket (still attached to the launcher rail) rotates out. You can tell where the launch position is by the heat damage to the concrete of the flame deflector.

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Launcher Turntable
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The M-V-6 rocket and launcher
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Looking Out the Launch Tower
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