Development of space launch facilities

In August 1961, Merritt Island, Florida, was selected as the launch area for the Apollo/Saturn V lunar landing program. Eight possible locations had been investigated. Criteria used in selection included tentative master plan site layouts of launch pads and support facilities, and estimated costs of construction, utilities and instrumentation. The launch operations concept, criteria and considerations for siting individual facilities at the John F. Kennedy Space Center, NASA, were based on the best data available at the time. A general site plan included provisions for launch complexes, support facilities and an industrial area. The spaceport was zoned into four basic functional areas: Launch zone, launch support zone, general support zone, and industrial zone. Zoning was based on launch hazard criteria: Blast, acoustical, toxic, and nuclear. Siting of facilities was based on explosive and noise hazard exposures. Instrumentation and utilities systems were also sited.