
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As seen on Google Maps, Firing Room 4 inside the Launch Control Center at NASA's Kennedy Space Center was one of the four control rooms used by NASA and contractor launch teams to oversee a space shuttle countdown. This firing room was the most advanced of the control rooms used for shuttle missions and was the primary firing room for the shuttle's final series of launches before retirement. It is furnished in a more contemporary style with wood cabinets and other features, although it retains many of the computer systems the shuttle counted on to operate safely. Specialized operators worked at consoles tailored to keep track of the status of shuttle systems while the spacecraft was processed in the Orbiter Processing Facility, being stacked inside the Vehicle Assembly Building and standing at the launch pad before liftoff. The firing rooms, including 3, were also used during NASA's Apollo Program. Google precisely mapped the space center and some of its historical facilities for the company's map page. The work allows Internet users to see inside buildings at Kennedy as they were used during the space shuttle era. Photo credit: Google/Wendy Wang
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NASA ID
KSC-2013-3235
Date Created
August 9, 2013
Center
KSC
Media Type
image
Location
Kennedy Space Center, FL
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