CORROSION CONTROL, VAB DOORS, HIGH BAYS 3 & 4

NASA’s Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) at the Kennedy Space Center was built in the 1960’s for the purpose of assembling the space shuttle and rocket boosters before being transported to the launch platform in preparation for a space launch.

At 526 feet tall, the VAB is the tallest single-story building in the world and is one of the world’s largest by volume.  RS&Hwas contracted to provide architectural & engineering services for the design of corrosion control and mitigation oriented refurbishments in the vertical lift door (VLD) areas.  These doors are nearly as tall as the building itself and are composed of seven stacking units that are raised and lowered using counterweight assemblies.

Responsibilities on the project were to conduct the hands-on inspections of the VLD counterweight wells and horizontal door canopies along with my partner Andrew Page, and to provide repair and corrosion mitigation recommendations.  Hands on access to the structural components was gained using interior ladders and rope access techniques, where necessary.