A prepared area on which a spacecraft stands when it is fuelled and launched. The pad includes such support facilities as the service tower, flame deflector, and safety equipment. Each launch pad has a designation, such as Pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center from which space shuttles have been launched.

The first space shuttle STS-’ awaits lift-off. This timed exposure clearly shows the intricate fixed and rotating service structures, as well as the launch platform itself.

Credit: NASA