Water Deluge System at the John F. Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39
Alternative Title
Water Deluge System
Subject
John F. Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center
Merritt Island (Fla.)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (U.S.)
NASA
Apollo Project (U.S.)
Project Apollo (U.S.)
Description
The Water Deluge System at Launch Complex 39's Launchpad A and Launchpad B, located at John F. Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida. The Water Deluge System was used for two reasons: noise suppression and flame suppression. The system reduced both issues by releasing a torrent of water after the rocket was ignited, which reduced the sound of the rocket and damage to the launchpad from the intense heat. Launchpads A and B were built specifically for the powerful Saturn V rocket, thus there was a special need to address those issues.
Source
Original color photographic print: Private Collection of Dr. Calvin D. Fowler.