[space_center] When will the renovation of the VAB end?

[goldenpeach]

Hi!

As you may know, the VAB is currently closed in order to make it bigger(so the SLS can fit in it).

My question is: is there any estimation on when those renovation end?

Also, will it be open for public after that?

After all, the VAB was closed during the space shuttle program because the fuel in the two SRB was too dangerous.

Thank you for reading!

[Reddragon]

If the first SLS flight is taking place in December 2017 then I guess by 2016 it will be operational for tests. The components for SLS VAB operations are under construction as far as I know. LC-39B will be ready this year or the earliest months of 2015.

[DerpenWolf]

I really lucked out and got a chance go on a tour to the VAB and shuttle pad early last January and I most defiantly hope that they open the facility up to the public at some point (hopefully not because the sls gets canned). If the facility was closed due to the solid boosters (the liquid are filled on the pad so I doubt that's a problem) then it probably

won't be open while the sls is running as pretty much the same boosters will be used on the rocket... However I'm guessing they don't let people tour for safety and security purposes.

[Nibb31]

With one flight scheduled every year or two, there will should be ample time to allow visits.

[Dkmdlb]

With one flight scheduled every year or two, there will should be ample time to allow visits.

At least our money will be going toward good tours!

[Motokid600]

Why did it need renovations with its size? Wasnt the Saturn V assembled in the same building?

[Nibb31]

It's a 50 year old industrial building. It's no surprise that it needs some modernization.

[andrewas]

Why did it need renovations with its size? Wasnt the Saturn V assembled in the same building?

I don't think they are making it bigger, instead they're removing all the Apollo and Shuttle facilities and replacing them with modular systems so they can work on SLS and other rockets. And taking the opportunity to upgrade every other aspect of the building because they won't get another chance at major works for a few decades.

[rdfox]

Modular systems are a major aspect of this, as NASA plans to offer to rent LC39 to any launch service provider that cares to shell out the required money. Indeed, it was recently announced (14 April 2014) that NASA had signed a contract for a 20-year lease of pad 39A to SpaceX for Falcon 9 v1.1 and Falcon Heavy launches, including the use of a horizontal assembly facility adjacent to the pad itself similar to that used CCAFS SLC-40 and VAFB SLC-4E. Plans are to use a new launch pedestal that they'll build atop the existing pad, rather than a mobile platform, and to use the existing Shuttle-era Fixed Service Structure, extended to accommodate the longer boosters' requirements. Presumably, they'll be either installing a new hammerhead crane atop the FSS, or building an equivalent to the old Apollo Mobile Service Structure, since SpaceX's contracts with the Defense Department specify vertical integration of payloads rather than horizontal. The anticipated first SpaceX flight from 39A is the first Falcon Heavy launch, currently scheduled for sometime in 2015. 39A will also be the sole planned site for Dragon Rider launches, as it's easier to man-rate its modified configuration than man-rate SLC-40.

39B will be, for the foreseeable future, the pad for all launches that use the VAB, including all SLS launches and launches by any commercial provider that cares to rent it during the (currently very long) slack periods when it's not needed for SLS operations.