Path: utzoo!utgpu!watmath!iuvax!rutgers!att!cbnewsh!mrb1 From: mrb1@cbnewsh.ATT.COM (maurice.r.baker) Newsgroups: sci.space.shuttle Subject: VAB-madness Keywords: VAB Vandenberg AFB Shuttle Message-ID: <2995@cbnewsh.ATT.COM> Date: 10 Aug 89 16:52:48 GMT Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories Lines: 29 Hi --- With all the recent postings about the meaning of "VAB", and the flurry of press coverage for the latest mission, the following question came to mind: There must be a "VAB-like" structure at Vandenberg AFB for the (presently) abandoned Space Launch Complex intended as a Shuttle launch site. What do they call it ? While we're at it, 1.) Are there any good written references re: Shuttle launching facilities at Vandenberg (i.e., journal articles, books, etc.) which come to mind ? 2.) How close to "done" is it ? I know there was some problems with poor workmanship (welds?), etc. along with a potential for H2 build-up at base of pad (think this may have been "fixed" before mothballing) but what would it take to make it operational if facility in Florida were somehow destroyed or otherwise made unavailable ? Is this even an option ? More enquiring minds want to know, I guess. M. Baker hoqub!mrb