A Blast from the Past

This images is of the flame tunnel under the launch pad ofPad 39A at Kennedy Space Center.

We were fortunate to be able to be on one of the last toursthat included a visit to Launch Pad 39A, the site of the launching of all ofshuttle missions and most of the Apollo missions (post Apollo 5 I believe). Thetour was only given for one month, this past February, and the area had notbeen open to the public for over 30 years. So few have had the experiencebefore us. It was quite an experience to step on the ground of the history ofspace, which soon will not be there, as NASA has since turned the launch padover to private industry and it will be dismantled for construction of a newlaunch facility for their use. Pad 39A is the only pad from which the shuttle wasever launched, 39B was built for use by a rescue vehicle if ever needed, butwas never used for that purpose. The stories told by the guides during the tourwere memorable and well worth the journey. During our living on the east coast,we viewed many of the shuttle launches, including the last three. It is sad tothink that it is over, but there is a new beginning and space exploration, thoughchanging, will proceed in a new direction.

The effects of the processing of this image created the colored pattern on the back blast wall of the flame tunnel (which is aninteresting side effect.) This is where the flame from the rocket was discharged when it ignited. The blast wall is movable, on the rails shown basedon the rocket being launched. The two rectangular holes, in the bottom of thedeck above, is where the flames came through from the engines.

The black “tar like” coloring on the concrete is from the Apollo rocket discharge. When they started launching the shuttles, due to the change in fuel mixture, the acidic nature of the shuttle fuel removed the “tar”residue from the Apollo launches.

Photoshop, PS Lens Correction (to correct the distortion of the wide angle lens), Topaz, Topaz Lens Effects, Topaz Simplify BuzSim.

Mark, as always an interesting treatment! I really like the clouds at the end of the tunnel, giving just a hint of what goes on in this area during a launch! Thanks for sharing this rare view with us. I once saw a shuttle launch all the way from Orlando, and even at that distance it was amazing to see.

Fascinating story to go with the image. Excellent processing and I really like that the tunnel takes you right to that colorful blast wall. I also like how your processing really highlights the damage to the tunnel fro the blast-offs.

Nice Mark, doesn't look like your rusty at all...a true Fuge-esc image, love the framing...TFS

You included just enough to tell the story and rouse my curiosity. Thanks for the wonderful explanation.

Thanks all for viewing and comments. It was an honor to get to see this historic site, after living the history of space from my youth. It was also sad, as noted, to think of loosing it for future generations, which seems to be the norm in this country. But I got as close as the guard to my left would let us, so I guess I was lucky to see more than most ever did. ; > )

This weekend it's the Blue Angels. Finally! Been waiting for years to shoot them and they are finally close enough to get to the show. Might have some images for a future post. We'll see.