Vehicle Assembly Building

The Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) , an immense structure soaring 525 feet above ground, has been instrumental in human spaceflight endeavors for over half a century. This architectural marvel stands as the largest vehicle integration facility in the space industry, equipped to cater to a wide range of operations well into the future.

Boasting a height of 525 feet, the VAB is a testament to engineering prowess. It is divided into four high bays, with two on the eastern side and two on the western side. Each high bay measures 442 feet in length, 518 feet in width, and reaches a towering 525 feet in height. The building is equipped with retractable doors, opening externally to a colossal 456 feet.

Standing at the eastern end of the VAB lie the launch pads, accessible via two of the high bays. Three of the four high bays are capable of handling the Mobile Launch Platform (MLP) for vertical stacking and integration. To facilitate this process, four cranes of varying capacities are strategically positioned throughout the building.

Two 250-ton bridge cranes can reach a height of 460 feet, while two 325-ton bridge cranes, one between Cells 3-4 and another between Cells 1-2, can extend up to 462.5 feet. A single 175-ton bridge crane, spanning the transfer aisle, can reach a height of 156 feet.

The VAB also houses 4 low bays measuring 274 feet in length, 442 feet in width, and 210 feet in height. These bays provide access to a transfer aisle located at the southern end of the structure. Additionally, the VAB is home to 8 work cells, specifically designed for spacecraft engine maintenance and utilization.

Beyond its primary function, the VAB offers space for six-story towers, with two designated as 100,000-class clean work areas. The building also features a low bay entrance door, standing at an impressive 53 feet in height.