Cover Page

Man in Space Alternatives and Impacts

INTRODUCTION

The following alternatives have been identified as feasible ways of managing the 26 Man in Space sites and providing educational and interpretive opportunities to the public. Commemorating the landing of a man on the moon and the events leading up to that historic occasion is the focus of the alternatives. Visitor understanding of the overall Man in Space theme and how each site contributed to that theme is the primary objective to be achieved. The alternatives are conceptual and do not provide detailed strategies for management, interpretation, visitor use, and preservation. It is important to note that elements of one alternative can be combined with elements of another to develop the preferred course of action. Under any of the alternatives, the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral could be evaluated for possible nomination as a world heritage site because of the lunar landing's significance to mankind.

Two resources require some additional information before the alternatives are presented--the launch complex 26 service structure at Cape Canaveral and the Apollo launch tower at the Kennedy Space Center. As stated in the "Planning Concerns" section, the launch complex 26 service structure is badly deteriorated and its structural condition is questionable (1986 environmental assessment and preliminary case report by the Air Force). Before determining that it would be appropriate to preserve the service structure, an in-depth engineering feasibility study needs to be conducted to more precisely document its condition and structural integrity, its potential for restoration, and the costs for restoration and annual maintenance. Based on the results of the study, the following options could be explored: (1) total reconstruction to original condition, (2) restoration to a maintainable condition, (3) disassembly of components and shipment to appropriate visitor centers and museums for display, (4) disassembly and salvage, and (5) construction of a full-scale model using noncorrodible materials.

If fund-raising efforts for the Apollo launch tower were successful, the Apollo Society's proposal for reerecting the tower and establishing visitor use facilities adjacent to the Spaceport USA visitor center would be implemented. However if fund-raising efforts fell short of the $20 million goal, scaling back the proposal could be an alternative. One possibility would be to reerect the launch tower without the simulated launch pad 39B base, stationary landing platform, and Saturn V reproduction. Although there would be no exhibit areas or visitor services, visitors would be able to take elevator rides up the tower. Estimated cost would be approximately $8.5 million. Another idea would be to partially reerect the launch tower with a shortened reproduction of a Saturn V space vehicle. As with the first possibility, elevator rides would be provided. This option would cost approximately $3.5 million. Many other scenarios are possible depending on the success of fund-raising efforts. If fund-raising efforts were unsuccessful, an alternative to scrapping the tower would be to offer the disassembled sections to visitor centers and museums around the country for display.

With regard to fund-raising, July 20, 1989, will be the 20th anniversary of the first manned moon landing. Because this anniversary may prompt a national celebration, it could serve as a catalyst for fund-raising efforts to reerect the Apollo launch tower. The companies responsible for constructing the original launch pad base, launching platform, launch tower, and Saturn V space vehicle and for preparing men to go to the moon could be requested to donate money and services to reerect and construct the complex. The American people, who have lent support through the years, could be asked for donations to build the visitor facilities and interpretive media. Finally, other space memorials and projects throughout the country could benefit from association with fund-raising efforts for the Apollo launch tower project.

Continued

Last Modified: Wed, Nov 29 2000 10:00:00 am PDT
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