Vertical Integration Facility Door Replacement

On October 24, 2005 Hurricane Wilma blew through the LC-41 pad and precipitated the catastrophic failure of a major portion of the 40 foot wide by 280 foot tall folding fabric door (Megadoor) on the vertical integration facility (VIF) which houses the launch vehicle that was inside at that time. IMEG engineers were on-site the following day to assist with the damage assessment and develop concepts to provide an operable door enclosure that would not postpone the scheduled January launch of the Pluto New Horizons mission. The schedule was critical with a small launch window, any delays would result in a three year postponement. Working around the clock in collaboration with LMA and contractors Ivey’s Construction and Sauer, a replacement door assembly was designed, fabricated, installed, tested and operating within six weeks. A permanent door system was later constructed and the new system is now operable with the push of a button.