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User:Jadebenn/Integrate-Transfer-Launch

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Kennedy Space Center LC-39 has utilized the ITL system since its construction

Integrate-Transfer-Launch (ITL), is a system for vertical assembly, transport, and launch of rockets. The concept was first implemented in the 1960s for the United States Air Force's Titan III rocket, and it was later used by NASA for their Saturn V rocket vehicle.[1]

History

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ITL was conceived as a means to allow extremely high launch rates by decoupling the actions of integrating and "stacking" the rocket from the action of launching it. This was accomplished through the usage of dedicated assembly facilities, separate from the launchpad infrastructure. Once the rocket was was fully assembled, it would then be moved to the launchpad by means of a Mobile Launcher or Mobile Launch Platform, where the actual launch would then take place.

The chief advantage of the ITL system was that a single launchpad could, in theory, support nearly back-to-back launches of multiple rocket vehicles. This was projected to greatly reduce the amount of dedicated launch infrastructure necessary for the extremely high launch cadences originally envisioned for the Saturn and Titan programs.

The USAF implemented ITL in the construction of Launch Complex 40 and 41, and NASA implemented the concept in the construction of Launch Complex 39.

Use

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Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39

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Main article: Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39

The ITL system at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Launch Complex 39 (LC-39) consists of the Vehicle Assembly Building, Crawler-Transporters, and the physical launch pads.

Saturn IB & V

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Main articles: Saturn IB and Saturn V
A Saturn V rocket is carried atop its Mobile Launcher by a Crawler-Transporter

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Space Shuttle

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Main article: Space Shuttle
Space Shuttle Atlantis is carried atop its Mobile Launch Platform in the lead-up to STS-79

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Space Launch System

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Main article: Space Launch System
The SLS Mobile Launcher being rolled out to LC-39B by CT-2

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Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Space Launch Complex 40 & 41

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Main articles: Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 40 and Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 41
The Integrate-Transfer-Launch (ITL) complex at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS)

The ITL system at LC-40 and LC-41 originally consisted of the Vertical Integration Building (VIB), where rockets were "stacked" and integrated, the Solid Motor Assembly Building, the Mobile Launcher Platforms, and the Mobile Gantry located at each pad. After the end of the Titan program in 2005, many of these facilities were demolished.

Titan III & IV

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Main article: Titan (rocket family)

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Atlas V

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Main article: Atlas V
An Atlas V rolls out to SLC-41.

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Vulcan

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Main article: Vulcan (rocket)

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Satish Dhawan Space Centre Second Launch Pad

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Main article: Satish Dhawan Space Centre Second Launch Pad
The Satish Dhawan Space Centre's Second Launch Pad (SLP) utilizes the ITL system

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PSLV & GSLV

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Main articles: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle

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See Also

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References

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  1. ^ Morte, James (18 March 1963). "The Integrate-Transfer-Launch system for Titan III". Space Flight Testing Conference. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics: 1–2. doi:10.2514/6.1963-89. Retrieved 29 November 2019.
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