LC-34 Saturn SA3 on launch pad 34 (photo credit NASA)

Space Launch Complex 34 together with LC-37 were built to support the launching of Saturn Rockets for the Apollo missions. Started in mid 1959 the construction was completed mid 1961.  LC-14 is located to the north of LC-20 at the end of ICBM road.

SLC-34 is historically important for two reasons: this was the start of the Apollo missions to the moon; and the tragic fire engulfing the command capsule of Apollo 1 killing the 3 man crew.

LC34 consists a blockhouse, circular launch pad, an elevated launch platform, flame deflectors, an umbilical gantry and a service structure mounted on a twin rail system.  The blockhouse was based on the blockhouse structures of the other complexes on ICBM Road.  The control and monitoring cabling was installed in a concrete slab tunnel above ground.

There were 7 launches made from this complex. The most significant flight was Apollo 7 which successfully tested the Saturn/Apollo spacecraft confirming that flight to the Moon was indeed possible.  However it will be remembered more for the tragic fire onboard the command capsule of Apollo 1 during a pre-launch test.

On January 27th Virgil Grissom, Edward White, and Roger Chaffee were shut in the command module executing a checklist when an electrical fault caused a fire.  The crew tried to escape from the capsule, but were hampered by faulty equipment and a difficult door latching system.  The fire was fuelled by the rich oxygen content of the cabin, and although the astronauts suffered sever burns the cause of death was deemed to be asphyxiation.

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