Main Engine Cut OffSLC-41 Crew Access Arm, Pad 39A Work, and a Falcon Heavy Delay
Chris Bergin of NASASpaceflight published a very detailed rundown of the ongoing work to support CST-100 Starliner at SLC-41 and SpaceX launches from Pad 39A.
The crew access arm at SLC-41 is due to be installed sometime this week, completing the work needed to support crewed launches of the CST-100 on top of an Atlas V. They’re well ahead of SpaceX in that regard, who is still working on Pad 39A to support uncrewed flights:
Meanwhile, next door’s Pad 39A is continuing to be prepared for the debut launch of the SpaceX Falcon Heavy, which is expected to take place early in 2017. The former Shuttle launch complex is technically “pad active”, although work is continuing on items such as the hold down points.
“Pad active” means the pad has a propellant supply and can load a launch vehicle. And I wouldn’t be surprised if “early 2017” meant “the first third of 2017.”